Brighton’s strong start to the season continued with a hard-fought victory over Wolves, securing their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
The win keeps Fabian Hurzeler unbeaten in his six matches as Brighton manager, with four victories to his name.
Carlos Baleba opened the scoring for the Seagulls in the 14th minute, delivering a stunning left-footed strike into the bottom corner from outside the box.
Brighton doubled their lead 17 minutes later when Simon Adingra cut in from the left, bypassed two defenders, and unleashed a powerful shot past Wolves keeper Jose Sa.
Wolves responded just before halftime, with Matt Doherty’s cutback being neatly finished by Goncalo Guedes.
Turkish full-back Ferdi Kadioglu, a summer signing from Fenerbahce, restored Brighton’s two-goal advantage in the 85th minute with his first goal for the club.
Although Wolves midfielder Tommy Doyle struck a late goal from the edge of the box in stoppage time, creating a tense finish, Brighton held firm to secure the win.
Earlier in the second half, Wolves came close to equalizing when Rodrigo Gomes broke through on goal, but a fine save by Jason Steele preserved Brighton’s lead.
Wolves thought they had leveled the score at 2-2 when Adam Webster nearly turned Nelson Semedo’s cross into his own net, but Jack Hinshelwood made a crucial goal-line clearance.
Wolves have now won just once this season, in the second round against Championship side Burnley.