White impresses on his winning return to Leeds

BRIGHTON boss Graham Potter says defender Ben White relished Saturday’s Premier League win at former club Leeds.

Neal Maupay struck the only goal in the first half, while White’s commanding display on his first return to Elland Road was instrumental in Brighton halting a nine-game winless league run.

“I think Ben’s been playing well,” said Potter after his side’s first top-flight win since November.

“He did well against Manchester City, he did well against Newport, at right-back, on a difficult pitch.

“I’m sure he’s delighted to go back to his old team and get the three points because he had a fantastic time here.”

White played all 46 Sky Bet Championship games for Leeds during his loan spell last season when helping them win promotion, mainly as a centre-half.

The versatile 23-year-old showed why Leeds had been so keen to sign him permanently in the summer with a dominant display in central midfield on Saturday.

“He speaks of nothing but respect for Leeds United and how they helped him and his career, so it’s nice for him to come back and get three points,” said Potter.

Brighton’s win was all the more impressive given they had been forced into extra time in last Sunday’s FA Cup penalty shootout win at Newport before losing 1-0 at Manchester City on Wednesday.

Despite having only 34 per cent of possession against lacklustre Leeds, the Seagulls created the better chances.

Leandro Trossard’s deflected cross hit the woodwork after Maupay had given them a 17th-minute lead and the Belgian fired narrowly off target in the second half.