BRIGHTON have qualified for European football for the first time in their history following a 3-1 win over Southampton at the Amex Stadium today.
Southampton, who have already been relegated, gave Joe Aribo a rare start as the centre forward but the Nigeria midfielder could not stop the Saints from suffering their 25th defeat in 37 English Premier League fixtures.
They were 2-0 behind at half-time through an Evan Ferguson brace in the 29th and 40th minutes.
The Saints halved the deficit through Mohamed Elyounoussi in the 58th minute and thought they were level when Theo Walcott had the ball in the net five minutes later.
After a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, the goal was ruled out and Pascal Gross made sure of the points for Brighton with a 69th minute strike.
The win over Southampton, who had Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu as an unused substitute, took Brighton to sixth spot in the table, which secures the second UEFA Europa League ticket.
The Seagulls are three points and a goal difference of plus 16 ahead of seventh-placed Aston Villa going into the final round of fixtures next Sunday, meaning the Europa League spot is guaranteed for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Also today in the Premier League, West Ham ensured they will play in the Premier League next season with a 3-1 victory over Leeds United at the London City Stadium.
Leeds United, who are in relegation trouble, scored first through Rodrigo but goals from Declan Rice, Jarrod Bowen and Manuel Lanzini turned the game around for the hosts.
West Ham rose to 14th place, nine points clear of Leeds United, who occupy the last relegation spot in 18th.
