Party time as Albion make history: Brighton 3-1 West Ham photos
It was party time at the Amex and these photos capture all the celebrations as Brighton beat West Ham 3-1 on the final day of the 2021-22 season to secure their best ever finish in English football.
History was made with the Albion ending the campaign in ninth position, beating their previous high of 13th set in 1981-82.
Graham Potter’s side also wrapped up their best top flight points total and won more points away from home at the highest level than ever before.
The only cloud hanging over the Amex had been the home form. Before the start of May, Brighton had won only three times in front of their own fans.
That victory total has since been increased to five, thanks to the 4-0 win over Manchester United last time out and this success against the Hammers.
Both United and West Ham finished in the top seven and yet they were thoroughly outclassed by the Albion. A good sign for next season perhaps, as if Brighton can sort out their home results combined with their excellent record on the road from the current campaign, then the sky really is the limit.
It looked for the opening 45 minutes like another disappointing Amex afternoon was on the cards. Michail Antonio gave the visitors the lead five minutes before half time with a blistering effort which left Robert Sanchez no chance.
Potter made a tactical tweak at the break, replacing the ill Yves Bissouma with Neal Maupay. Brighton were much improved for the change and Joel Veltman equalised five minutes after the restart.
Pascal Gross gave the Albion the lead on 80 minutes and Danny Welbeck rounded off the scoring in injury time for what was a relatively comfortable success in the end.
The entire squad and their families then paraded around the pitch after the full time whistle. Far too much went on here to be able to take it all in, although loads of the players’ kids running wild and escaping before the lap of honour was due to start amused the crowd.
Richard Reynolds meanwhile was sporting the whitest pair of trainers you will ever see, alongside a garish getup which suggested he fancies himself as Michael Portillo’s successor presenting Great Continental Railway Journeys.
It was an enjoyable way to bring the curtain down on an enjoyable season, with some fans even managing to get into their seats with bottles possessing lids. The biggest achievement of 2021-22 even with Brighton finishing ninth, surely?
If you have any photos you would like included in our Brighton 3-1 West Ham gallery, please e-mail them to wearebrighton@hotmail.co.uk or tweet them to us @wearebrighton
