Goals from Maxim De Cuyper and Stefanos Tzimas saw Brighton to a 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest and lifted them to fifth in the Premier League table.
Brighton enjoyed the better of the early exchanges with Yankuba Minteh, Georginio and Mats Wieffer all going close. De Cuyper also impressed on the left flank with a string of fine crosses that some how failed to create an opening.
Forest, under Sean Dyche, are a tough nut to crack and forced their way back into the match. Morgan Gibbs-White came closest in the first half with a lovely volley that swerved just wide.
De Cuyper was Brighton’s best player and it was the Belgian who found a way through. Georginio’s clever pass teed up De Cuyper and he calmly slotted home for his second of the season.
Omari Hutchinson was lively after the break for Forest and Bart Verbruggen was at his best to deny Jesus on 70 minutes. The Seagulls held firm and added the second on 90 minutes as Stefanos Tzimas bundled home after a long through ball.
The bench celebrated madly, no doubt with last season’s 7-0 drubbing still on their mind. A little piece of revenge for Albion at the City Ground.
Here’s how the Brighton players rated...
1. Brighton celebrate victory against Nottingham Forest
Brighton celebrate victory against Nottingham Forest | Getty Images
2. Bart Verbruggen - 7
Delivered a great save when it mattered most to deny Jesus with his feet. Looked full of confidence after his penalty save against Brentford. | Getty Images
3. Mats Wieffer - 7
Bombed forward well and almost opened the scoring on 17 minutes but his low effort was just wide. Negated the threat of Ndoye in the first half and then faced up to Hudson-Odoi | Getty Images
4. Jan Paul Van Hecke - 7
The centre back looked pretty comfortable for the most part. Defended well against Jesus and kept his distribution safe and simple. Superb sliding block to thwart Hudson-Odoi on 80 minutes. | Getty Images