Southampton off the mark with win over 10-man Brighton

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:21 am

Southampton collected their first Premier League points of the season with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Brighton & Hove Albion, courtesy of second-half goals from new signing Moussa Djenepo and Nathan Redmond, at the Amex Stadium.

Brighton started on the front foot with forward Neal Maupay creating the early chances but the hosts suffered a blow on the half-hour mark when Florin Andone was shown a straight red card for a horrific tackle on Southampton Yan Valery's knee.

"The red card would make it difficult for the rest of the game," Brighton boss Graham Potter said after the match.

"That's not a tackle we want to see. I don't think he meant to do it but it's one we can't defend."

Reduced to 10 men, Brighton thought they had taken a surprise lead with centre back Lewis Dunk heading home from a corner but the goal was swiftly chalked off for offside after a VAR review.

Southampton were more aggressive after the interval and they were rewarded when Djenepo, signed for a reported £14 million from Standard Liege, curled a rasping shot past Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

Manager Potter introduced striker Glen Murray late in the contest as Brighton tried to avoid their first league defeat of the new season.

But it was Southampton midfielder Redmond who slotted home from close range to seal the points for the visitors in injury time.

"I should probably get more of those sort of goals in those areas," Redmond said.

"It's getting tough to win games in the Premier League -- teams are playing good football.

"If you don't get points against teams around us then we'll be kicking ourselves later in the campaign."