Kaoru Mitoma, Brighton v Chelsea
It took something special from Mitoma to bring down the raking long pass of the Brighton goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen. The Japan winger’s first touch as the ball came down over his head was sublime, each alternate angle proving better than the next, before he dribbled away from Trevoh Chalobah and curled a low shot past Filip Jörgensen. Mitoma has often received plaudits for his technical ability, but this one truly felt like one of his best. “The touch is as good as anything you will see in the Premier League this season. And the finish isn’t bad either,” said Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports. “That’s Messi-like and I don’t say that lightly. Pure genius.” Mitoma’s goal started the rush against Chelsea, with Yankuba Minteh adding two goals in the 3-0 victory. “I don’t know if I ever saw something like this as a coach from my own player,” said Fabian Hürzeler. “To coordinate everything – the speed of the ball, the height of the ball and your legs – is a special thing. We shouldn’t underestimate that he was in a full sprint. I wouldn’t try it at home, but he has a special talent.”
