Yankuba Minteh's fortunate second-half goal gave Brighton their first win at Sunderland since 1981, lifting them to 10th in the Premier League. The 40-year-old James Milner played the entire match in a deep midfield role, helping his side control the game at the Stadium of Light.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler praised his team's performance, saying: 'We controlled the game, we defended well, we created danger. We deserved to win.' Sunderland's Régis Le Bris acknowledged his side's character but lamented their lack of end product, with injuries hampering their efforts.
The decisive moment came when Minteh miscued a cross from a corner, which deceived goalkeeper Melker Ellborg and crept in from a tight angle. Sunderland protested, claiming a foul on Habib Diarra in the build-up, but the goal stood. Earlier, Sunderland had a goal disallowed for offside after a VAR review.
Chris Rigg impressed for Sunderland, forcing a fine save from Bart Verbruggen and having a goal ruled out. Brighton's Jack Hinshelwood also caused problems, but Danny Welbeck missed a good chance. The result leaves Sunderland level on points with Brighton, though Newcastle's win later dropped the Seagulls to 11th.
