Brighton beat Sunderland to climb into the Premier League top half
Yankuba Minteh’s fortuitous second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory for Brighton against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, lifting the visitors into the top half of the Premier League.
The winger squeezed the ball past goalkeeper Melker Ellborg at the near post to claim the decisive goal.
Making his first start of 2026 due to Kaoru Mitoma’s absence, the attacker appeared off balance and was seemingly attempting a cross when he broke the deadlock.
The result condemns Regis Le Bris’ side to a third consecutive home league defeat.
VAR frustration for faltering hosts
The Black Cats had previously thought they had opened the scoring four minutes after the interval.
Teenage midfielder Chris Rigg believed he had registered his first top-flight goal after converting a knockdown from Omar Alderete.
However, video assistant referees intervened to disallow the effort after spotting the defending centre-back had strayed into an offside position.
This latest league setback compounds a miserable week for the Wearsiders following their shock FA Cup elimination by League One strugglers Port Vale.
Injury woes mount ahead of derby
To worsen matters for the home faithful, key defender Dan Ballard was forced off with an injury during the second period.
His premature departure raises serious concerns over his availability for Sunday’s highly anticipated Tyne-Wear trip against Newcastle United.
Prior to mid-February, the North East outfit had remained unbeaten on their own patch throughout the entire campaign.
Fabian Hurzeler’s victorious squad now join their opponents on 40 points but move above them into tenth position courtesy of a superior goal difference.
