Brighton whittling away the seconds by the corner flag is among modern football’s rarer sights. But then again slender victories, achieved via the helping head of an opponent, are hardly “on brand” for Roberto De Zerbi. Courtesy of Andrew Omobamidele’s first-half own goal, though, such a win is precisely what Brighton achieved. Ugly? Perhaps a tad. Necessary? Wholly.
Since the locals last trudged up from Falmer station, Brighton’s hopes of something tangible and shiny for their daring, trendy football have been dashed. Trips to both Molineux and Rome have been bitter disappointment.
So now, barring a minor miracle against Roma on Thursday, the aim for the season is European re‑qualification. Edging past Nottingham Forest aids that cause no end. “I’m very happy at the reaction,” De Zerbi said. “But I had no doubts about the human qualities of my players.”
At times, some have questioned whether the Italian ought to incorporate more pragmatism into his approach. Certainly, under his predecessor Graham Potter, Brighton were much harder to break down. Here the resilience that has, at times, escaped them this season, was evident.
Take the post-match fawning, for example. Normally it is over Brighton’s dazzling between‑the‑lines forwards. Instead, this Sunday afternoon belonged to Carlos Baleba, who looked every bit the Moisés Caicedo replacement most assumed – simply because it is Brighton, and that is what they do – him to be.
The 20-year-old’s combination of ballast and balance has its own splendour, and several times his athleticism prevented self-inflicted wounds as Brighton fudged attempts to pass out from the back. “His potential is clear,” De Zerbi said. “He can become one of the best Premier League midfielders in the future.”
Forest arrived with their roots still burning with injustice, Paul Tierney’s decision to drop a ball to the wrong set of feet in the defeat against Liverpool last week still fresh in the mind. And Nuno Espírito Santo departed virtually in flames.
His ire this week? That Jakub Moder was not dismissed for a second-half challenge on Neco Williams. He had a point, too.
Until that challenge, on a sodden afternoon, Michael Salisbury had judged impeccably the line between foul and caution. But Moder can consider himself more than a tad fortunate that his first Premier League start in 736 days was not marred by a red card.
Nuno was critical both of Salisbury’s initial decision only to book Moder, and the VAR official Craig Pawson’s subsequent lack of intervention. “It’s a bad decision of the VAR,” he said. “I don’t judge only the referee. But I saw the image. It’s a clear red card. It’s week after week. We have received them. They apologise to us. It doesn’t mean anything because it is costing us. We are in a tough position, and we need respect. Period.”
Citing Tierney’s decision and penalties he felt his side ought to have been given against West Ham and Newcastle, Nuno said: “We have to wait. They apologise. Everybody is aware of the mistakes. I don’t know how many. It’s a lot. I’m trying to be honest and trying to keep myself calm and be respectful. But it is enough. It is enough.”
Few could reasonably argue that Brighton were not value for their half‑time lead. Before going behind, Forest sat deep and ceded possession. But gaps were hard to come by and set pieces looked the likeliest source of Brighton joy. From one, Moder rose to meet Pascal Gross’s delivery. Matz Sels was equal to the header.
Inevitably, the game’s only goal came from another Gross dead ball. As the net rippled, two huddles formed. The first was one of blue and white delight, Gross the object of much back patting for delivery that Omobamidele turned past Sels. The second was red with rage, all Forest personnel bar Harry Toffolo and Murillo surrounding Salisbury pleading for a foul. Nuno admitted there was nothing in it.
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Divock Origi almost levelled immediately, but Bart Verbruggen’s legs got in the way. Soon after the break, Origi again advanced on goal. The finish? Wayward.
Brighton grew frustrated, anxious even. De Zerbi fizzed, popped and bopped around his technical area. But when the numerical advantage Forest were certain was coming failed to materialise, they were deflated – much to Brighton’s relief.
