João Pedro’s stoppage-time penalty secured a dramatic victory for Brighton over Fulham, bolstering their push for a Champions League spot.
Pedro won the decisive penalty after beating Fulham’s Harrison Reed to the ball and drawing a foul on the back of his ankle.
The Brazilian calmly converted from the spot, marking his third consecutive Premier League game with a goal—a personal first—and delivering a vital three points for the hosts.
Fulham had taken an early lead through Raúl Jiménez, who executed a well-controlled volley at the far post.
However, Brighton responded six minutes later with a powerful header from Jan Paul van Hecke, capitalizing on a Yasin Ayari free-kick.
Both teams, fatigued from their 120-minute FA Cup matches the previous weekend, delivered a subdued first half at the Amex Stadium.
Brighton improved after the break, though two goals were ruled out for offside before Pedro’s late winner.
The victory moves Brighton to sixth in the Premier League, just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester City in the race for the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Fulham, who had gone unbeaten in their previous nine meetings with Brighton, remain ninth, four points adrift of the Seagulls.
Pedro Lands the Knockout Blow
Brighton have been in sensational form since their heavy defeat at Nottingham Forest on February 1, winning six consecutive matches across competitions to become Champions League contenders. They have now lost only twice in their past 15 games and achieved four straight Premier League wins for the first time since 1981.
Although the Seagulls struggled to find their rhythm for much of the match, Van Hecke’s equalizing header provided a glimmer of hope in the first half. The Dutch defender exploited a defensive lapse from Fulham to head home Ayari’s precise delivery.
Inspired by Brighton-based boxer Harlem Eubank, who showcased his IBF Intercontinental Welterweight title before the game, Brighton found a fighting spirit in the closing stages. Pedro’s composed penalty capped off the team’s persistence and sealed a crucial win.
Brighton next face a stern test against Manchester City on March 15.
Fulham Falter Away
Fulham’s strong away form has been central to their European ambitions, boasting the league’s sixth-best record on the road. However, their performance at Brighton fell below their usual standards.
Jiménez’s first-half strike, set up by Alex Iwobi’s surging run and precise cross, was the visitors’ sole moment of brilliance. After that, Fulham failed to register another shot on target, with Jiménez’s only other effort flying wide.
Despite scoring in their past 13 away matches and netting at least two goals in their last six, Fulham lacked the attacking edge needed to sustain their momentum. The loss brings their five-match away winning streak to an end and dents their hopes of a top-four challenge.
Player of the Match: João Pedro