New Delhi: Matchday 21 of the Premier League came to a thrilling conclusion on Thursday, bringing decisive results that shook up both ends of the table. Brighton & Hove Albion ended their winless streak with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town, reigniting their push for European qualification. Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter starred in the second half to deliver a vital three points for the Seagulls, leaving Ipswich deeper in the relegation battle.
Elsewhere, the midweek fixtures showcased intense battles as clubs fought to gain ground in their respective campaigns. With Brighton climbing closer to the top six and Ipswich slipping into the bottom three, the stakes only continue to rise. As another matchday wraps up, fans are left with plenty of talking points and drama to carry into the weekend fixtures.
Ipswich Town 0-2 Brighton
FT: BACK TO WINNING WAYS IN THE #PL! 🙌
[0-2] 📲 #IPSBHA // #BHAFC 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/mFgrI0QAhk
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 16, 2025
Brighton & Hove Albion ended their frustrating streak of eight Premier League games without a win, securing a vital 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter in the second half sealed the win, boosting Brighton’s European qualification hopes. The Seagulls now sit ninth in the table, just four points off sixth-placed Manchester City, while Ipswich dropped into the relegation zone on goal difference.
Ipswich looked lively in the first half, with Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson testing Bart Verbruggen from range. Brighton struggled to create much, their best chance being a long-range effort from Mitoma that Christian Walton saved comfortably. Ipswich almost took the lead early in the second half, but Wes Burns’ snapshot narrowly missed.
Brighton capitalised moments later, with Mitoma’s effort sneaking under Walton. Substitute Rutter then secured the points with a smart flick nine minutes from time, confirmed by VAR. Brighton’s depth shone, with impressive cameos from Lewis Dunk and Danny Welbeck.
Despite their strong start, Ipswich were undone by Premier League quality, and they face a daunting challenge with matches against Manchester City and Liverpool next.
Manchester United 3-1 Southampton
A late show ensures we take three points – and @AmadDiallo_19 takes the match ball 🎩#MUFC || #MUNSOU
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 16, 2025
Amad Diallo emerged as Manchester United’s saviour with a late hat-trick that turned a potential home upset into a thrilling 3-1 victory over struggling Southampton. The visitors stunned Old Trafford when Manuel Ugarte inadvertently diverted Tyler Dibling’s header past Andre Onana just before half-time. United looked set for a fourth consecutive league defeat at home, but Amad’s heroics in the final stages changed the script.
With eight minutes left, Amad equalised by steering Joshua Zirkzee’s clever pass under Aaron Ramsdale. The Ivorian doubled his tally in the 90th minute, volleying Christian Eriksen’s deft lob into the net.
Four minutes into stoppage time, Amad completed his hat-trick, capitalising on a defensive lapse by Taylor Harwood-Bellis to roll the ball into an empty net. The win lifts United to 12th, while Southampton remain anchored at the bottom, ten points from safety.
Southampton impressed early on, with Kamaldeen Sulemana and Dibling troubling United’s defence. Despite dominating for spells, they failed to capitalise, leaving themselves vulnerable to United’s late resurgence.
Amad’s determination and clinical finishing handed Ruben Amorim’s side a much-needed boost ahead of their clash with Brighton on Sunday, while Southampton must regroup for their trip to Nottingham Forest.
Matchday 21 of the Premier League concluded with dramatic results, impacting the race for European qualification and the relegation battle. Brighton ended their winless run, while other clubs fought for crucial points. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
