Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke opened the scoring for the Seagulls with a close range finish from Valentin Barco's corner but Verdy soon hit back with a fine team goal, finished by Yudai Kimura. Albion's £35m summer signing from Newcastle Yankuba Minteh scored his second goal from two games with a very nice finish after good build up play between Danny Welbeck and Ibrahim Osman. Brighton’s gain is certainly Newcastle’s loss after the Magpies sold Minteh due to FFP rules.
Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler changed all 10 outfield players for the second half but Simon Adingra quickly hit their third with a first time finish from Facundo Buoanotte's accurate cross. It was a lively encounter and Verdy provided a stiff test as they reduced the deficit with a far post header from Naoki Hayashi. But Brighton claimed their fourth thanks to Jeremy Sarmiento’s instinctive finished after Facundo Buoanotte’s driving run.
Here’s how the players rated…
17. Yasin Ayari 6
The Swedish midfielder came on in the second half. Made little impact in terms of going forward but kept his position well and always chose the safe pass. Photo: Masashi Hara
18. Facundo Buoanotte 8
Nice assist from the Argentine to set up Adingra for Albion's third. Always comfortable in possession and wanted the ball in deeper positions. His surging run set up the fourth for Sarmiento. Impressed in Japan. Photo: Masashi Hara
19. Simon Adingra 7
Clever close range finish for the Albion's third goal. Cut in from left and tucked it away nicely with his first touch. Lively. Photo: Masashi Hara
20. Sarmiento 7
Two in two for Sarmiento with an instinctive finish from the Ecuadorian. Always looked to create. Photo: Masashi Hara