BRIGHTON’s man from Japan proved as sharp as a Samurai to keep the Seagulls in the hunt for European football.
Kaoru Mitoma headed home his fifth goal in his last seven games in a match that was otherwise lacking in clinical finishing.
Chances were squandered at both ends and just when this south coast derby looked to be heading for a stalemate, up popped Mitoma at the death.
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi said: “He did not play the best game of his life, but he can always score and I felt in this game he would, that’s why I never take him off.”
The winger, signed for just £2.5million from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale, again impressed as Brighton looked to have unearthed another gem.
All the pre-match talk was about Moises Caicedo, who came on as a substitute to cheers, despite his openness in trying to force through a move to Arsenal in the transfer window.
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The midfielder was the subject of a £60m bid from the Gunners, with Brighton rejecting the offer for the talented 21-year-old in the transfer window.
Brighton chairman Paul Barber made it clear in his programme notes that they simply were not interested in seeing another star tempted away.
Hardly surprising, having lost Marc Cucurella, Yves Bissouma, Leandro Trossard – plus boss Graham Potter – already this season.
“We have also always been very clear that January is not a window in which we like to do much, if any, business,” said Barber.
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“It’s typically a seller’s market so buying is always difficult for anyone, but it is only a seller’s market if the seller is willing . In the case with Moises, we were not.”
De Zerbi said it was “an easy decision” to drop Caicedo to the bench at the expense of Billy Gilmour, but it is likely the Ecuadorian will be back in the starting XI to face Crystal Palace.
He added: “I am really happy with the reaction from our fans. He is not a problem and we are stronger with Moises.”
Bournemouth were given a couple of early let offs as the home side made a cracking start.
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Inside the opening 90 seconds, Neto dropped the ball under pressure from Danny Welbeck while the keeper redeemed himself with a tackle on Deniz Undav, who was bearing down on goal.
But in their next exchange, it was difficult to figure out which player was worst. Neto’s clearance proved to be a 20-yard pass straight to the German.
Maybe he could not believe his luck, as he squandered THREE chances. His first effort was blocked by Chris Mepham, his second was saved by Neto while his third attempt struck the post.
At the other end, Jefferson Lerma fired wide and Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil felt his side had two penalty appeals turned down.
With the score level, boss De Zerbi turned to Caicedo and he nearly set up fellow sub Jeremy Sarmiento with his first touch.
Antoine Semenyo and Dango Ouattara had Bouremouth’s best chances before Sarmiento then crossed for Mitoma to head home.
The defeat shoved the Cherries closer to the Championship as they failed to take their chances, while boss O’Neil said he felt his side should have been awarded two spot kicks.
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He said: “We should have got something from the game. The performance was good and I was disappointed not to take any points.
“We kept Brighton at bay and we were a threat. The only criticism is we have to score one goal from situations we have created and we didn’t manage it and got caught with a late goal.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
