Doing it on a cold day in Stoke: Stoke City 2-4 Brighton photos
Judging by the vast number of empty seats in these photos from the Bet365 Stadium, the Magic of the FA Cup failed to capture the imagination of residents of the Potters this year – which is a shame as Stoke City 2-4 Brighton was something of a thriller.
The Albion in contrast sold out their away allocation. Yes, there was the lure of loyalty points which could prove vital for away tickets when the Europa League resumes in March.
But there was also the knowledge that Roberto De Zerbi would take the competition seriously. Brighton have shown in the past 12 months they can beat anyone on their day, which means there is a genuine chance the Albion could go even further than last season’s semi final defeat to Manchester United on penalties at Wembley.
To try and make that happen, De Zerbi named a full strength XI for the trip to a Stoke side sitting in 19th place in the Championship.
No need to guess what happened next. The Potters took the lead via a Jan Paul van Hecke own goal. They could have moved further ahead too in a first half in which the Albion were lacklustre.
That was until Pervis Estupinan dragged Brighton level on the stroke of half time, smashing a rocket of a volley from outside the box into the top corner.
Early in the second half and Lewis Dunk headed home a Pascal Gross cross following a surprisingly clever short corner routine to move the Albion 2-1 ahead.
The hope at this point was the game would noW be a routine victory for the top flight outfit against the Championship strugglers.
No need to guess what happened next. Brighton decided to spice things up by giving away a penalty after Dunk was adjudged to have handled in the box.
Lewis Baker converted to make it 2-2. The terrifying prospect of the Albion having to host Stoke in a midweek replay in the middle of the Premier League winter break now loomed large with 25 minutes remaining.
Step forward, Joao Pedro. The Brazilian powered home a header from in another Gross cross, followed by a clinical finish after Van Hecke led a break forward which eventually ensured safe passage into round four and a trip to Sheffield United.
Turns out Brighton can do it on a cold day in Stoke.
If you have any photos you would like included in our Stoke City 2-4 Brighton gallery, please e-mail them to wearebrighton@hotmail.co.uk or tweet them to us @wearebrighton
