 |
| Evan Ferguson of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates with teammate Alexis Mac Allister after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton FC at American Express Community Stadium on May 21, 2023 in Brighton, England. |
Evan Ferguson scored twice in the first half as Brighton beat Southampton in the Premier League to secure European football for the first time in their history.
The 18-year-old forward opened the scoring with a powerful low shot past Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy before doubling the Seagulls’ advantage with a first-time finish from inside the area.
Mohamed Elyounoussi’s glancing header offered the visitors brief hope of a comeback but Pascal Gross fired in a third to seal victory for the hosts.
Brighton strengthened their grip on sixth place in the table and have all-but qualified for next season’s Europa League because of their superior goal difference over seventh-placed Aston Villa.
A point from their two remaining matches will confirm a sixth-placed finish but victory over their south-coast rivals assures Brighton of a Europa Conference League spot at the very least.
Southampton, whose relegation was confirmed with their defeat by Fulham last time out, will finish their top-flight campaign against Liverpool at St Mary’s next Sunday.
