Brighton end wait for goals in style as West Brom beaten

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:41 am

Brighton broke both their Premier League duck and their goal drought in style by beating West Brom 3-1 at the Amex Stadium.

Midfielder Pascal Gross bagged a brace and laid on the third for Tomer Hemed as the Seagulls soared.

Gross cost Brighton just £3 million from Ingoldstat, and the industrious 26-year-old offered a quickfire return on that smart investment.

Brighton had failed to find the net in their first three Premier League outings, taking one point from a goalless draw at Watford.

But the hosts fully merited this maiden Premier League win and their first in the top flight since 1983.

West Brom's unbeaten start to the campaign came crashing to a halt, by contrast, leaving boss Pulis frustrated on the touchline.

Just when Brighton feared a dominant first half would remain unrewarded, up popped Gross with his club's maiden Premier League goal.

The home side wasted a host of half-chances in an industrious opening period, hogging territory and possession without ever carving out many gilt-edged opportunities.

Shane Duffy had the ball in the net inside 15 minutes but was flagged offside after following up a Solly March shot that was spilled by Ben Foster.

Several strong build-ups were let down by a poor final ball but, as the half edged to a close, Gross flicked home.

Bruno's raking crossfield ball let March chip to the far post, where Allan Nyom was caught out. The ball dropped over the West Brom full-back, allowing Gross to control, cut inside, and squeeze a finish past Foster.

And there could be no mistaking the elation when Gross drilled his second of the day just moments after the break.

Hemed trapped well into his feet, fending off Ahmed Hegazi with his back to goal, before turning a smart ball round the corner to split the West Brom defence.

Gross cantered through the centre, let fly on the run - and doubled the Seagulls' lead.

Pulis threw on all three West Brom replacements but Brighton kept their cool and pounced again.

Hemed reached Gross's teasing near-post cross first and nodded past the outstretched Foster.

West Brom pulled one back thanks to James Morrison but Brighton held out for a win to kick-start their campaign.