Jamie Redknapp hails 'exceptional' Ben White and three other Brighton stars after Leeds win

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp offered glowing praise to four Brighton and Hove Albion players after their hard fought and deserved 1-0 triumph at Leeds United on Saturday
Brighton's Ben White gave a classy performance on his return to Elland RoadBrighton's Ben White gave a classy performance on his return to Elland Road
Brighton's Ben White gave a classy performance on his return to Elland Road

Neal Maupay turned home the game’s only goal in the 17th minute to clinch a first league win since November for the Seagulls.

It halted a 10-game winless run in fine style as Maupay converted his seventh of the season from close range after Leandro Trossard and Alexis Mac Alister had carved open the Leeds defence.

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The Seagulls rounded off a testing week having lost 1-0 at Manchester City in midweek, after playing extra time in their FA Cup penalty shoot-out win at Newport last Sunday.

The goal was a classy moment but what also caught the eye was Albion's defensive resolve as they kept a rare clean sheet. Skipper Lewis Dunk and defensive teammates Adam Webster and Dan Burn were all superb.

It was also a successful return to Elland Road for Ben White, who helped Leeds win promotion during a loan spell last season, while his former club slipped to a third straight defeat under Marcelo Bielsa for the first time in 12 months.

"I was very impressed with Brighton," said Redknapp on Sky Sports. "I asked the question before the game, can they win ugly, can they hang in there and defend well?

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"I thought Webster, Dunk and Burn at the back were exceptional. Ben White in midfield showed that he had another string to his bow and that will only help him progress as a player because as I mentioned before he is an exceptional young player.

Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk celebrates a hard earned three pointsBrighton skipper Lewis Dunk celebrates a hard earned three points
Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk celebrates a hard earned three points

"Brighton were the better team today and the have got to carry that forward. Especially with West Brom winning, this gives them a bit of daylight."

Brighton's relief at gaining their first three points since a 2-1 triumph at Aston Villa on 21 November was evident at the final whistle.

Victory moves them five points clear of third-bottom Fulham, who lost 1-0 against Chelsea yesterday.

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"Last year was so special for me [while playing at Leeds]. To come back today was absolutely amazing," former Leeds loanee White said.

"We're down there in the league so every point matters. It's been a positive week for us so to get the three points today was amazing.

"Leeds are always running. They don't stop. The way they play is amazing to watch but the boys dug deep and ran as much as they did. They did well.

The speed of their attacks at times are unbelievable. When you're playing Leeds, you don't necessarily have too much control of the game, they give everything until the last minute of the game. We had to focus and stay positive.”

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"I don't really remember the goal to be fair - it was a bit of a tap-in in the end but any goal that helps us win games is a good one.

"We had to stay positive and not let them score. It's the Premier League so every game is tough. We have to pick up points when we can. We need to push on now and get some more points to push up the league."

He then added on social media: "It's amazing to come back and see the lads but the win was brilliant. It's a big result for us and we need to keep pushing on now!"

Graham Potter's team are back in action in the FA Cup fourth round against League One Blackpool at the Amex next Saturday next Saturday.

Their next Premier League match is big one as they host Fulham on January 27.