Pascal Gross scored twice for Brighton against West Brom
Midfielder Pascal Gross bagged a brace and laid on the third for Tomer Hemed as the Seagulls stunned Tony Pulis’ usually robust Baggies.
German star Gross cost Brighton just £3million from Ingoldstat, and the industrious 26-year-old offered a quick-fire return on that smart investment on the south coast.
Brighton had failed to find the net in the first three Premier League outings, albeit Chris Hughton’s men had grabbed a goalless draw at Watford.
The hosts fully merited this maiden Premier League win and their first in the top flight since 1983 – a victory that boss Hughton will hope to turn into a run of results.
West Brom’s unbeaten start came crashing to a halt, by contrast, leaving boss Pulis to cut a frustrated figure on the touchline.
Gross opened the scoring after Bruno’s cross-field ball let Solly March chip to the far post, where Allan Nyom was caught out.
Brighton West Brom Chris Hughton Tony Pulis Pascal Gross Premier League Hemed Amex
The ball dropped over the veteran West Brom full-back, allowing Gross to control, cut inside, and squeeze the ball past Ben Foster.
He drilled his second of the day just moments after the break, then his teasing cross allowed Hemed to nod home.
West Brom clutched at respectability thanks to James Morrison’s late goal, Kieran Gibbs crossing in and Oliver Burke heading back for the opening.
Asked if the maiden win lifted a weight off Brighton, Hughton replied: “I must admit that is the case. We’re four games into the season. You want to get that first win and if you don’t, you don’t; we’ve got a group of lads realistic enough to know it’s going to be a tough season.”
Pulis said: “Brighton were better than us, let’s leave it at that.”
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