Albion in Japan Part I: Kashima Antlers 1-5 Brighton photos
Konnichiwa! Kashima Antlers 1-5 Brighton was the Albion’s first ever game in Japan and we have these photos from the stands of the Tokyo National Stadium capturing the historic occasion.
There were just north of 25,000 Kaoru Mitoma Fans (and some Seagulls supporters) present and they were treated to quite the show from Brighton, who easily blew away their J-League opponents.
Club record signing Yankubu Minteh gave the Albion a first half lead before the tourists ran riot in the second half.
Jeremy Sarmiento crashed home a volley from a corner for the second just 24 hours after it was announced that scary set piece coach Nick Stanley left for Norwich City. Makes you think.
Yasin Ayari added a third with a spectacular effort, followed by two late goals from Amario Cozier-Duberry. The only disappointment for Brighton came when a late consolation from the Antlers denied Jason Steele a clean sheet.
There were noticeable differences in how the Albion played under new head coach Fabian Hurzeler compared with Roberto De Zerbi.
Brighton moved the ball more quickly and hit a greater number of longer passes. Most of the Albion’s attacks were focussed down the flanks, as evidenced by three of the four scorers being wingers – Minteh, Sarmiento and Cozier-Duberry
Off the pitch, Albion merchandise flying off the shelves. Paul Barber OBE will have been delighted. A giant Mitoma flag was unveiled before the game. And of course, his number 22 shirt was everywhere you looked in the stands.
It is all a far cry from a decade ago, when pre-season would open with Albion fans drinking £3 pints of Strongbow watching Chris Holroyd miss a penalty at Burgess Hill Town.
If you were in Japan and have any photos you would like included in our Kashima Antlers 1-5 Brighton gallery please e-mail them to wearebrighton@hotmail.co.uk or tweet them to us @wearebrighton
