Brighton & Hove Albion produced a dominant performance to register a 3–0 victory over Burnley in a Premier League 2025–26 fixture, underlining their attacking fluidity and defensive control during the festive period.
Brighton Set the Tempo Early
Brighton asserted themselves from the opening minutes, controlling possession and pinning Burnley deep in their own half. Their structured build-up play and quick movement between the lines caused persistent problems for the visitors.
The breakthrough arrived in the first half when João Pedro opened the scoring. The forward finished calmly inside the penalty area after a well-worked team move, rewarding Brighton’s early dominance and giving the hosts a deserved lead.
Burnley struggled to respond, finding it difficult to string together passes as Brighton’s press disrupted their rhythm throughout the opening period.
Burnley Resistance Fades After the Break
Burnley showed brief signs of improvement early in the second half, attempting to play with greater urgency. Josh Brownhill worked hard in midfield to regain possession and push Burnley forward, but clear chances were limited.
Brighton’s defensive organisation ensured Burnley were restricted mostly to speculative efforts from distance. Whenever Burnley committed players forward, they left themselves vulnerable at the back — a weakness Brighton exploited effectively.
Mitoma and Groß Seal the Win
Brighton doubled their advantage midway through the second half through Kaoru Mitoma. Cutting inside from the left flank, Mitoma delivered a composed finish that left the Burnley goalkeeper with little chance and firmly swung momentum in Brighton’s favour.
As Burnley tired, Brighton continued to dictate proceedings. The third and final goal arrived late in the match when Pascal Groß converted from close range following sustained pressure, capping off a comprehensive performance by the home side.
Defensive Control and Key Contributions
At the back, Brighton were rarely troubled. Goalkeeper Jason Steele dealt comfortably with Burnley’s limited attempts, while the defensive unit maintained discipline and composure throughout the contest.
Burnley’s best opportunity fell to Lyle Foster, but his effort failed to trouble the Brighton goal, summing up a frustrating afternoon for the visitors.
What the Result Means
The final whistle confirmed a 3–0 victory for Brighton & Hove Albion, a result that strengthened their position in the Premier League 2025–26 standings and highlighted their consistency at home. Goals from João Pedro, Mitoma, and Groß showcased Brighton’s attacking depth and balance.
For Burnley, the defeat underlined ongoing challenges at both ends of the pitch. Despite moments of effort and work rate, they were unable to match Brighton’s quality or intensity, leaving them with lessons to address as the season progressed.
Brighton, meanwhile, will take confidence from a commanding display that reinforced their credentials as one of the league’s most well-organised and effective sides.