The first half ended goalless, but it was not short of incident. Sunderland lost Thomas Meunier to injury at 34 minutes, with Malick Fofana replacing him. The hosts hit the woodwork, while Brighton created three big chances before the break. Referee Thomas Bramall booked Olivier Boscagli on 36 minutes, and the sides went in with xG narrowly in Brighton’s favor at 0.46 to 0.41.

The match flipped after half-time. Brighton struck first when Maxim De Cuyper finished from a Pascal Groß delivery at 53 minutes, a move stemming from a throw-in set piece. Four minutes later, Pascal Struijk saw red for denying a clear chance, confirmed after a VAR check. Fabían Hürzeler’s side still found another goal deep into stoppage time, as late subs combined: Georginio Rutter slipped in Hadjam, who scored on a fast break at 90+3. The visitors then saw out seven minutes of added time with calm clearances and smart fouls.

Numbers that shaped the 0-2

Sunderland owned the ball at 62% and completed 495 passes to Brighton’s 305. They also led final-third entries 68 to 55 and took 12 shots. Yet the shot quality and chance creation told a different story. Brighton finished with the higher expected goals, 1.12 to 0.64, and produced five big chances to Sunderland’s one.

Defensively, Brighton were outstanding. They racked up 43 clearances to Sunderland’s 18 and blocked seven home shots. Their aerial dominance was decisive, winning 22 of 36 aerial duels overall, and an eye-catching 17 of 20 after the break. Bart Verbruggen added control in goal with three saves, one high claim and 0.44 goals prevented. It all showed in the team numbers too: Brighton’s average Sofascore team Rating stood at 8.06 versus Sunderland’s 6.54.

Sunderland’s possession, Brighton’s penalty-box answers

Régis Le Bris’ side pushed hard, sprinting more than Brighton by 112 to 94 and attempting 27 crosses, though only five found a target. They were flagged offside five times and managed just four shots inside the box. Brighton’s back line met crosses early, surrounded second balls and cleared endlessly. When Sunderland did work space, Brighton reacted with bodies behind the ball and defenders stepping into lanes.

There were still strong home performances. Granit Xhaka posted a 7.5 Sofascore Rating with 71 total passes, 20 in the opposition half, and three shots. Nordi Mukiele also rated 7.5 after winning 12 duels, making three successful tackles, creating a big chance and hitting the target once. Reinildo Mandava added a steady 7.1 with two key passes and defensive interventions. Even so, Sunderland’s best moments lacked the final touch. Wilson Isidor struck the woodwork and Meunier missed a big chance before his injury, while keeper Robin Roefs finished on -1.02 goals prevented despite two saves.

Game state after the red card

The sending-off at 57 minutes might have suggested a Sunderland wave. In one sense it did: the hosts had 76% possession in the second half, completing 227 accurate passes to Brighton’s 52. They outshot Brighton 8 to 7 after the interval and won more ground duels. But Brighton leaned into a compact block and aerial control, winning 85% of second-half aerials and clearing the box repeatedly.

Substitutions helped Brighton manage the game. Lewis Dunk’s introduction at 60 minutes brought three aerial wins and four clearances. Costinha and Malick Yalcouyé added legs on the flanks and in midfield. At the other end, Brighton stayed efficient. They turned their lone second-half cross into progress, and when space finally opened in stoppage time, Rutter’s pass sprung Hadjam for 2-0. Brighton’s second-half line reads like a defensive clinic: 26 clearances, 10 tackles and two big chances scored.

MVP: Ferdi Kadıoğlu’s complete full-back shift

Brighton’s match MVP is Ferdi Kadıoğlu, who earned a 7.8 Sofascore Rating for a tidy, all-action 90 minutes. He completed 20 of 22 passes, showing calm in tight spots and linking both halves well. His long distribution was flawless at 3 of 3, a handy pressure release as the game tilted toward Brighton’s box. He posted seven clearances, two interceptions and six recoveries, answering most Sunderland entries with the first header or the second ball.

The right-back balance was spot on. Kadıoğlu won four duels, was fouled twice and still found time for two crosses, plus nine sprints and nearly 11 km covered. That mix of clean passing, reliable long balls and penalty-area defending is exactly what a team with a lead needs. Add Brighton’s structure and aerial control, and his steady work fed the unit’s best feature: a clean sheet with few truly open looks conceded. For supporting cast, Luka Vušković matched the top individual Rating at 7.8 and led with 12 clearances and five aerials won, while Maxim De Cuyper’s 7.5 included the opener. Captain Pascal Groß also landed a 7.5 with an assist, three key passes, two big chances created and five tackles.

Brighton’s plan thrived on both phases. The visitors accepted the territory battle, trusted their box defending and used their chances. Sunderland had the ball and territory, but Brighton had the penalty-area answers and the scoreboard.