Premier League: Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter scored as Brighton & Hove Albion snapped an eight-match Premier League winless streak with a 2-0 triumph over Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Thursday.
The victory elevates Brighton to ninth place on 31 points, while Ipswich drops into the relegation zone at 17th, behind Wolverhampton Wanderers on goal difference.
Match Summary
Premier League: Despite Brighton dominating possession early on, Ipswich showed promise with several attempts on goal. Nathan Broadhead and Liam Delap tested Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen with long-range efforts, while Omari Hutchinson came close just before halftime.
Ipswich fullback Wes Burns narrowly missed the target in the 57th minute, but Brighton capitalized on a defensive lapse just two minutes later. Swedish midfielder Yasin Ayari set up Matt O’Riley, who teed up Mitoma for a precise first-time finish.
Brighton doubled their lead in the 82nd minute when substitute Georginio Rutter pounced on a loose ball in the box to secure the win and end Brighton’s poor run of form.
Key Performances
- Kaoru Mitoma: Delivered the breakthrough goal with a clinical strike, showcasing his sharp attacking instincts.
- Bart Verbruggen: Kept Brighton in the game with crucial saves during Ipswich’s early onslaught.
- Georginio Rutter: Sealed the result with a composed finish, providing a much-needed boost for his side.
What’s Next?
The win gives Brighton momentum as they push for a higher finish in the league, while Ipswich will need to regroup quickly to avoid a prolonged stay in the relegation zone.
Brighton fans will hope this marks the beginning of a turnaround as the team eyes a strong second half of the season.