Billy Gilmour and has Brighton pals got the party started last night after securing a spot in the Europa League.
The Seagulls will go into European competition for the first time ever next season after confirming sixth spot in the English Premier League last night after a share of the spoils with Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City superstars. It's been a stunning campaign for Roberto De Zerbi's men, who are four points ahead of Aston Villa in seventh ahead of their final day meeting.
Phil Foden handed the visitors the lead after being teed up by Erling Haaland but Gilmour and his team-mates roared back with an incredible strike from Julio Enciso to send the home fans wild and secure that point required in style. The Seagulls boasted a massive goal difference advantage but the result now makes it mathematically secure as they get ready to get the passports out.
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It's been a season to remember for the Seagulls and they let their hair down as they partied in the dressing room. The players jumped and sang "Freed from Desire' with De Zerbi right in the middle of the celebrations alongside ex- Rangers kid Gilmour and his pals.
Reacting to last night's result and confirmation of football in Europe's second tier competition, the boss said: "We didn’t receive a gift of the one point, we deserved the result. I am really proud, because I think this one of the best games of the season. It was very tough, but we played with incredible quality and courage.
“The improvement of the players has been fantastic and for me it’s very satisfying. We had to respect ourselves, the club and our fans and show the courage and that we believe in ourselves to win against the best team in the world. I think we did that.”
Asked at what point he felt Albion could qualify for Europe, he added via the Brighton official website: “At the beginning I didn’t put my focus on the target of the Europa League. I had to analyse the players, learn about the Premier League and to understand the new country," he added.
“But step by step I started to think about our potential and in February it was clear in my head that we could fight for a big target.
"The coaches work on tactics, strategy and mentality but first of all there is the passion and energy. In the last part of the season I watched the players not only give their best but more. Without it we couldn’t achieve this target – we deserve to play in the Europa League.”
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