Carlos Baleba and Kaoru Mitoma Score in the Last Five Minutes, Securing a Win Against West Ham

(Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/multicolored-soccer-ball-on-green-field-47730/)

Brighton and Hove Albion grabbed a win out of the jaws of defeat on Saturday by scoring two goals in the game's last five minutes. Carlos Baleba and Kaoru Mitoma were the two goal scorers who created an incredible comeback with a 3-2 victory against West Ham.

What are the Odds?​

Brighton’s success only proves how a football game isn’t over until the whistle blows, and until that point, anything can happen. Any sports bettor knows that there are factors in play that can help predict the win or loss of a particular team, but this is not an exact science, and sometimes, the impossible is made possible on the pitch. As such, those sports bettors who bet on Brighton for this game using UK betting sites not on Gamstop will have experienced a pleasant turn of events in the last five minutes of the match, alongside benefiting from the additional bonuses that these sites offer.

The Goals​

Brighton secured the first goal with a superb opener from Yasin Ayari, but the success was cancelled out early in the second half when Mohammed Kudus scored a goal for West Ham. Things carried on in balance for a while, until Thomas Soucek tipped the scales for West Ham, taking the lead. So close to the end of the game, things weren’t looking good for Brighton, but substitute Kaoru Mitoma was not ready to go down so easily. He brought Brighton level with a brilliant close-range header in the 89th minute. Then, Baleba stole the show with a final goal in the 92nd minute, bringing chaos to the Amex Stadium and securing the win for Brighton.

League Standings​

This win has seen Brighton move up into ninth place, only behind eighth-place Fulham on goal difference. West Ham haven’t moved, remaining in 17th place, but have retained their position in the Premier League for next season. Such luck hasn’t fallen on Ipswich, who have become the third team to be relegated after their 3-0 defeat against Newcastle.

West Ham’s Disappointment​

Graham Potter, West Ham’s boss, has voiced his frustration in his post-match press conference. The frustration isn’t unfounded, either, as Potter has only seen his team win three of the fourteen games they have played since he took charge. He did suggest that his team ‘did a lot well’ but admitted that the loss was devastating for all involved. He also voiced concerns over the upcoming Premier League, and knows changes need to occur in the team if they are to see future success.

Brighton’s Head Coach on the Win​

Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton’s head coach, has also spoken to Sky Sports about the game. He admitted that he didn’t enjoy the majority of the match, because Brighton’s win did not become clear until the end. However, he says the second Baleba secured the final goal, cementing a special moment for the team and the fans. He commended the players on their ability to react to setbacks and work together to succeed. He also specifically applauded Brighton’s team captain, Lewis Dunk, saying that the way he led his team was ‘impressive.’

Final Thoughts​

Brighton’s win against West Ham displayed the team's determination and overall team spirit. But it does more than this; such a win is also a testament to the unpredictability of football itself. With a team captain who led the team to victory, and key players securing that victory, Brighton deserves every moment of their celebration after this game. Especially as it has led to their climb up the Premier League table. Everyone in that stadium, whether fan or not, will remember that game and the strange turn of events it took for a long time.