Brighton put their European push back on track with a commanding 3-0 victory over already-relegated Wolves at the Amex Stadium, a result that left Wolves manager Rob Edwards promising a significant squad overhaul in the summer.
Rapid-Fire Start Seals the Deal
Jack Hinshelwood headed home inside 35 seconds, registering Brighton's fastest ever Premier League goal. Just four minutes later, captain Lewis Dunk escaped the marking of Joao Gomes to nod a second. Yankuba Minteh completed the scoring late on as Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler celebrated his new contract in style.
Edwards' Frustration Boils Over
Rock-bottom Wolves remain without a league victory on the road this term after enduring a 13th defeat from 18 away games, their 24th loss overall. "It's incredibly frustrating, it looked like we were still in our nice hotel for the first five minutes," said Edwards. "The start of the game was atrocious. There was a lack of focus there from the beginning, people not valuing doing their job."
Asked about midfielder Gomes marking towering centre-back Dunk for the second goal, Edwards added: "It wasn't planned. It was a decision that they just decided to make at that moment. I can't account for it but we've had a lot of it and that's why we are where we are – crazy decision."
Summer Clearout Promised
Edwards, who replaced Vitor Pereira in November, confirmed he had lost patience with some of the squad. "Yeah, definitely. Some of them have got to go, we're bottom of the league. It's been embarrassing. They've got to go. We've got two more games, so suck it up, keep our head down, take whatever we're gonna have to take for the next couple of weeks and then we can really get to work. We know there's going to be a lot of change."
Brighton Dominate Despite Late Scares
Wolves, without a top-flight away win since a 1-0 success at Manchester United in April last year, were thrashed 6-0 on this ground in 2023 and for long periods looked in danger of succumbing to a similar scoreline. However, Yerson Mosquera went close for the visitors when he directed a Mateus Mane delivery onto the top of the bar. Then Hwang Hee-chan struck the base of the right post two minutes later; although the offside flag was raised, replays suggested the decision might have been overturned on review. In truth, it was a very comfortable afternoon for the hosts.
Hurzelers Delight and Mitoma Concern
Hurzelers, who extended his deal to June 2029 on Thursday, was delighted by his side's response to last weekend's 3-1 loss at Newcastle. "We had the whole week to get our minds in the right spot and therefore in the game we had a great start and it definitely helped to control the game, to dominate the game. I'm really happy working with this group of players. I'm looking forward to the future because it can be very exciting and very bright."
Brighton's afternoon was soured slightly by Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma limping off with a hamstring issue, only a month before the start of the World Cup. "We have to wait for the scan," said Hurzeler. "It didn't look great but I'm a positive person and I stay positive regarding this."
Wolves host Fulham next weekend before attempting to avoid going all season without a top-flight away win when they face fellow relegated side Burnley on the final day.
