In a pulsating Premier League encounter at the American Express Stadium on April 26, 2025, Brighton & Hove Albion staged a late comeback to secure a 3-2 victory over West Ham United, reigniting their push for European qualification and piling further pressure on former manager Graham Potter. The match, which ebbed and flowed with intensity, was decided by a stunning stoppage-time strike from Carlos Baleba, sending the home crowd into raptures and highlighting Brighton’s resilience despite a depleted squad.
The game began with Brighton asserting early dominance, their high-pressing style troubling a West Ham side struggling for form. In the 13th minute, young midfielder Yasin Ayari broke the deadlock, capitalizing on a precise assist from Jack Hinshelwood to slot past Alphonse Areola, giving the Seagulls a deserved lead. Brighton’s attacking intent was clear, with Danny Welbeck and Kaoru Mitoma testing West Ham’s defense, but they couldn’t extend their advantage before the break. West Ham, despite their lackluster first-half display, remained in the contest, with Jarrod Bowen’s pace offering a rare threat on the counter.
The second half saw a revitalized West Ham emerge, as Mohammed Kudus leveled the score just three minutes after the restart, latching onto a Bowen cross to fire home from close range. The goal shifted momentum, and West Ham began to exploit Brighton’s injury-ravaged defense, with key absentees like Joao Pedro, serving a suspension, and Jan Paul van Hecke, sidelined by concussion, leaving gaps. Brighton’s makeshift backline held firm until the 83rd minute when Tomas Soucek rose highest to head in another Bowen delivery, putting West Ham ahead and seemingly on course for a vital win.
However, Brighton, under Fabian Hurzeler’s guidance, refused to capitulate. With the clock ticking down, Mitoma, who had been a constant menace, found space in the 89th minute to equalize, converting a pinpoint pass from substitute Brahima Gruda to spark wild celebrations. The drama wasn’t over, as Baleba, a rising star in Brighton’s midfield, curled a spectacular effort into the top corner in the 93rd minute, securing a 3-2 lead that West Ham had no time to overturn. The goal was a fitting climax to a match that showcased Brighton’s attacking flair and determination.
West Ham’s late collapse extends their winless run to six games, leaving them precariously placed in 17th with 36 points, though a point would have been enough to confirm their Premier League survival and relegate Ipswich Town. Potter, facing his former club, cut a frustrated figure, with his side’s defensive frailties exposed by Brighton’s late onslaught. For Brighton, the victory moves them to 51 points, level with ninth-placed Fulham, and keeps their European aspirations alive with four matches remaining.
Despite the absence of key players like Ferdi Kadioglu, James Milner, and Joel Veltman, Brighton’s depth and Hurzeler’s tactical acumen shone through. Welbeck, closing in on a personal milestone of 10 Premier League goals in a season, led the line admirably, while Mitoma and Baleba’s late heroics underscored the team’s attacking riches. West Ham, missing Michail Antonio and Crysencio Summerville, relied heavily on Bowen and Kudus, but their lack of cohesion in crucial moments proved costly.
The match statistics reflected Brighton’s dominance, with 52.7% possession, 16 shots, and eight corners compared to West Ham’s 12 shots and solitary corner. Both sides showed attacking intent, but Brighton’s clinical finishing in the final stages made the difference. The result adds to Brighton’s strong record against West Ham, with only one defeat in their last 15 Premier League meetings, and it marks a significant moment in their season as they look to finish strongly.