19 MAY 2024
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 0 MANCHESTER UNITED 2
PREMIER LEAGUE - at the AMERICAN EXPRESS STADIUM, FALMER.
Following the surprise announcement that Roberto De Zerbi was leaving his positiion as Head Coach with the Seagulls after this game, the Albion welcomed Manchester United to the Amex for the final game of the 2023-2024 season, Albion's seventh in the Premier League. The match was covered by BBC Radio Sussex Sport.
For his last game in charge of the Seagulls, Roberto De Zerbi made six changes to his starting line-up from the team which lost 1-2 at home to Chelsea on the 15 May, with Jason Steele, Jakub Moder, Valentin Barco, Carlos Baleba, Adam Lallana and Danny Welbeck replacing Bart Verbruggen, Tariq Lamptey, Lewis Dunk (injured), Billy Gilmour, Facundo Buonanotte and Julio Enciso.
It had been announced on the 13 May that midfielder Adam Lallana (36) would be leaving the club at the end of this season, after four years and 95 appearances. Lallana was made captain for this last game against United.
It had been a turbulent season for United and last time out they had beaten Newcastle United 3-2 at home on the 15 May and for the visit to the Amex, Head Coach Erik Ten Hag made one change to his starting line-up from that game, with Lisandro Martinez coming in for Jonny Evans.
Previously this season, in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford on the 16 September 2023, the Albion won 3-1, with their goals being scored by Danny Welbeck (20m), Pascal Gross (53m) and Joao Pedro (71m), whilst United's consolation was scored by Hannibal Mejbri (73m).
Last season the Albion did the double over the Red Devils, winning 2-1 at Old Trafford on the 7 August 2022,). In the return game at the Amex on the 4 May 2023 the Albion won 1-0, through an Alexis Mac Allister penalty (90+9m).
Save for the Albion supporters chanting Roberto De Zerbi's name from the start, there was a quiet opening to the game. The first positive action saw United keeper Andre Onana making a fine save when deflecting a volley from Valentin Barco and then Adam Webster missed two chances to put the Seagulls ahead, first sending a header over the bar and then seeing defender Lisandro Martinez clear Webster's effort off the line.
An isolated United raid involving Amad Diallo, Kobbie Msinoo and Bruno Fernandes ended with Scott McTominay firing a shot over the bar. Joao Pedro then wasted a chance to put the Seagulls ahead by sending his shot wide of the target. The last action of the opening half saw winger Alejandro Garnacho elude Jakub Moder but Albion keeper Jason Steele was alert enough to snuff out the danger.
Half-time 0-0.
First opportunity of the second-half fell to the Seagulls when Moder set-up Pedro but the Brazilian's effort was cleared off the line by Casemiro and Adam Lallana's shot from the rebound was deflected.
An emotional moment took place on 57 minutes when Lallana was replaced by Julio Enciso. It was the midfielder's final game for the Albion and there was tears and hugs all round as he left the field of play. United were now looking dangerous and chances fell to Garnacho and McTominay but not taken.United eventually took the lead on 73 minutes when Casemiro's long pass found the marauding Diogo Dalot, who swept the ball past Steele. 0-1.
With two minutes remaining substitute Christian Eriksen's pass found fellow substitute Rasmus Hojlund, who calmly took the ball in his stride before planting the ball past Steele for the clincher. 0-2. A disappointing send-off for Roberto De Zerbi and Adam Lallana.
Final-score 0-2.
Match stats:
Albion had 17 attempts at goal, with 3 on target and won 7 corners, free-kicks conceded - 10.
Manchester United had 11 attempts at goal, with 4 on target and won 5 corners, free-kicks conceded - 9.
TO SUM UP - A disappointing end to the season and the usual failure to convert the chances created reared its' ugly head again. Hopefully when the Albion start their eighth season in the Premier the goal-scoring department will have been sorted.
Meanwhile for the Albion life will continue without Roberto De Zerbi and his seven coaches and Adam Lallana.
The Premier League fixtures for Season 2024-2025 will be announced on Tuesday 18 June 2024 at 9.00 a.m.
Albion line-up (4-2-3-1):- Jason Steele; Jakub Moder, Adam Webster, Igor Julio, Valentin Barco (Tariq Lamptey 81); Carlos Baleba (Billy Gilmour 81), Pascal Gross; Simon Adingra (Ansu Fati 81), Adam Lallana (Capt) (Julio Enciso 57), Joao Pedro; Danny Welbeck.
Subs not used: Bart Verbruggen (G/K), Odeluga Offiah, Facundo Buonanotte, Benicio Baker-Boaltey, Cameron Peupion.
Manchester United line-up (4-2-3-1):- Andre Onana; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez (Jonny Evans 59), Diogo Dalot; Kobbie Mainoo (Christian Eriksen 75), Sofyan Amrabat (Raphael Varane 69); Amad Diallo (Marcus Rashford 75), Scott McTominay, Alejandro Garnacho; Bruno Fernandes (Capt) (Rasmus Hojlund 60).
Subs not used: Altay Bayindir (G/K), Antony, Willy Kambwala, Toby Collyer.
Referee: Craig Pawson (Sheffield).
Yellow Cards: Albion: 1 - Billy Gilmour. Manchester United: 3 - Casemiro, Sofyan Amrabat, Bruno Fernandes.
Possession: Albion - 55%. Manchester United - 45%.
BBC Sport Player of the Match: Rasmus Hojlund (Manchester United).
Attendance: 31662.
Jack Kaye.
22 May 2024.
Thank you so much to Jack who has faithfully sent in his report on all the Albion games this season. Lets hope that next season our players will keep fit and score the goals which have been sorely missed this season.