Brighton find welcome distraction from league form
For all the festering fear of losing their place in the top flight, Brighton can at least take some optimism from an FA Cup run that may well turn into a genuine adventure.
These have been a troubling few weeks on the south coast, where the club’s Premier League future has come under serious threat, but the Cup has so far provided a welcome distraction and a much-needed shot of positivity.
Brighton were largely dominant here, showing few signs of the inhibitions that have dogged their league form until a nervy final few minutes.
Derby County are a good side under Frank Lampard, and had already defeated two Premier League opponents this season, but they waited too long to put Brighton under any sustained pressure after a lifeless opening hour.
Ashley Cole’s header, his first goal for the club since joining in January and his first-ever strike in the FA Cup, gave Derby hope in the closing moments, when the strains of the past few weeks finally showed for Brighton. It was too late, though, and few could claim that Brighton did not deserve their victory, despite the wobble that followed Cole’s intervention.
“To see him that high up and score with his head was a big surprise,” said Lampard. “At 38 he could probably kick back but he has a real desire and humility and work ethic. He has been a ma- chine all of his career in terms of fitness and looking after himself. You look at him and he’s as lean as anybody.”
Lampard was pleased with Cole but frustrated with his side’s meek firsthalf showing. Anthony Knockaert and Yves Bissouma were the main protagonists for Brighton, providing a demonstration of physical power and creative thinking that Derby could not match. Knockaert scored the first goal before Jurgen Locadia made it two just before half-time, tapping in after brilliant work by Bissouma.
The last eight awaits, then, and Brighton will see the early departure of some of the country’s biggest sides as an opportunity to make a real impression. It will not be the priority for Chris Hughton, whose side are just three points above the relegation zone after a run of one win in 11 matches, but Brighton at least have something to look forward to.
“Probably the only disappointment is that I thought we made harder work of it than we needed to,” said Hughton. “I am hoping the momentum of the cup run so far can push us on in the league.”
Hughton had made it clear that the league remains his focus by making eight changes to his side, with top scorer Glenn Murray not even on the bench after picking up a slight knock. Instead there were starts for the likes of Knockaert and Bissouma, two of Brighton’s more exciting players who have struggled to hold down regular starting positions this season.
Both were at the centre of all things Brighton did well in an impressive first half. Knockaert went close with two efforts from range before whipping a fine first-time finish into the corner from Bissouma’s low cross.
Bissouma, a summer signing from Lille, also went close with a low freekick that was tipped away by Derby goalkeeper Kelle Roos, then lashed a fierce shot into the stands.
Lampard’s side had come into this game on fine form, having won four of their previous six matches, but they offered minimal resistance in the first half and Brighton doubled their lead shortly before the interval.
Again Bissouma played a key role, the 22-year-old curling a shot against the inside of the far post. Locadia, lurking with menace, simply rolled the rebound into the empty net.
“He is a very talented young player who is still adjusting to the game here,” said Hughton of Bissouma. “Today I thought he was very good.”
There was little encouragement for Lampard, who surprised no one by making changes at half-time. Cole, back in English football after five years away, entered the fray along with striker Jack Marriott as Lampard called for more in attack. “In the first half we were slow, there was a lack of urgency,” Lampard said. “To come to a Premier League side and give them time on the ball is a cardinal sin. That performance in the first half cannot get you a result.”
Their goal finally came with 10 minutes remaining. Florian Jozefzoon caused panic with a surge in behind the Brighton defence, prompting Dan Burn to hack a poor clearance towards Cole. The veteran’s reaction was instinctive, nodding the loose ball into the empty net. No player has won more than Cole’s seven FA Cups but this was his maiden goal in 49 appearances in the competition. Brighton nearly gifted Derby a late equaliser when goalkeeper David Button fumbled a cross, then their defenders allowed Fikayo Tomori the time to attempt a bicycle kick. The ball was shanked out for a throw-in, though, and Brighton held on for a merited win.
Brighton (4-2-3-1) Button 6; Bruno 6, Duffy 7, Burn 6, Bernardo 6; Bissouma 8 (Gross 86), Stephens 7; Knockaert 8, Kayal 6, Jahanbakhsh 6; Locadia 7 (Gyokeres 81). Subs Sanchez (g), Bong, Montoya, Molumby, Ostigard. Booked Bissouma, Bruno. Derby County (4-3-3) Roos 7; Bogle 6, Keogh 6, Tomori 6, Malone 5 (Cole 45); Bryson 6, Huddlestone 6, Wilson 6; Waghorn 5, Nugent 6 (Jozefzoon 73), Holmes 5 (Marriott 45). Subs Ravas (g), Wisdom, Johnson, Evans. Booked Tomori, Wilson, Malone. Referee David Coote (Nottinghamshire).