If we didn’t know it already, Brighton have an absolute gem on their hands in Kaoru Mitoma. The Japan international winger was always the player most likely to create and it was his header in the dying moments that sealed three points for Albion against very resolute Bournemouth team. Roberto De Zerbi’s team were the dominant team throughout and continually probed and pressured the visiting defence in search of the winner. It finally arrived against a hard-working Bournemouth team – who were also a danger on the counter attack – as they almost achieved the point they came for. Brighton did previously have their chances with Deniz Undav, who otherwise impressed on a rare start, had a shot blocked and cracked the post within the space of 10 seconds during the first half. Striker Danny Welbeck also missed a fine opportunity in the first half when his close range header from Solly March’s cross went straight to the keeper. Wantaway midfielder Moises Caicedo was given a mostly warm reception when he came on in the second half and there was also a debut for Buonanotte when the January signing came on for Lamptey on 75 minutes.
Here’s how the Brighton players rated...

. BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Deniz Undav of Brighton & Hove Albion has a shot saved by Neto of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth at American Express Community Stadium on February 04, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Deniz Undav of Brighton & Hove Albion has a shot saved by Neto of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match Photo: Mike Hewitt

. Rob Sanchez 6-10
Not an awful lot to do but displayed his shot-stopping skills when he had to. Distribution and crosses were a bit shaky Photo: Mike Hewitt

. Tariq Lamptey 6-10
Offered an outlet down the right. Not at his explosive best and struggled to find space to exploit the Bournemouth defence. Replaced by Buonanotte on 75 Photo: Mike Hewitt

. Lewis Dunk 8-10
A very controlled performance complete with trademark chest back to the keeper. Top notch. Photo: Mike Hewitt

. Joel Veltman 7-10
Looked very comfortable back in the centre of defence. One perfectly timed tackle on Anthony denied the visitors. Photo: Andrew Powell

. Pervis Estupinan 7-10
Swift to the tackle. Almost gave a penalty when he clattered in to Ouattara, But overall very good and covered well defensively against Bournemouth's swift counter Photo: Mike Hewitt

. Solly March 7-10
Teed-up Welbeck with a fine cross and kept probing down the right. Photo: Mike Hewitt

1. Rob Sanchez 6-10
Not an awful lot to do but displayed his shot-stopping skills when he had to. Distribution and crosses were a bit shaky Photo: Mike Hewitt

2. Tariq Lamptey 6-10
Offered an outlet down the right. Not at his explosive best and struggled to find space to exploit the Bournemouth defence. Replaced by Buonanotte on 75 Photo: Mike Hewitt

3. Lewis Dunk 8-10
A very controlled performance complete with trademark chest back to the keeper. Top notch. Photo: Mike Hewitt

4. Joel Veltman 7-10
Looked very comfortable back in the centre of defence. One perfectly timed tackle on Anthony denied the visitors. Photo: Andrew Powell