Brighton Hove Albion kept their strong start to the Premier League campaign by defeating Sunderland 2‑0 at the Stadium of Light, even after a controversial red card to Pascal Struijk forced the side to finish the second half with ten men. The home side secured the victory with goals from two different players, maintaining their momentum from the opening fixtures.
The match began with Brighton asserting control, but Sunderland managed to keep the scoreline level until the 65th minute. Struijk received a red card in the 68th minute following a challenge that many observers deemed harsh. The dismissal left Brighton reduced to ten players, yet the team did not falter. They continued to press forward, and their persistence paid off when a well‑placed strike from the right wing earned them the first goal. A second, equally decisive goal was later added, sealing the win for the Seagulls.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Brighton’s defensive structure remained solid, and they were able to repel Sunderland’s attempts to rally. The result keeps Brighton in a strong position early in the season, while Sunderland remains in the lower half of the table. The win also underscores Brighton’s resilience and tactical discipline, qualities that will be tested as the season progresses.