Maxim De Cuyper opened the scoring after the interval before Pascal Struijk was sent off following a VAR review. Jaouen Hadjam then struck in stoppage time to secure all three points for Fabian Hürzeler’s side.
The result lifted Brighton to 13 points and maintained their third-place position, while Sunderland remained on four points after another frustrating afternoon.
Brighton break the deadlock after half-time
The first half was a tight contest, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities.
Brighton threatened late in the opening period when Struijk headed against the post in stoppage time, but Sunderland reached the interval with the scores level.
The visitors finally found the breakthrough in the 53rd minute. Pascal Groß played a clever through ball into the Sunderland defence, allowing De Cuyper to race onto the pass and fire a low, first-time finish beyond goalkeeper Robin Roefs.
The goal rewarded Brighton’s persistence and gave the visitors the advantage they had been seeking.
Struijk sees red after VAR review
Brighton’s lead was soon followed by a significant setback when Struijk was dismissed.
Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor accelerated towards the penalty area, but the Brighton defender brought him down while denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Referee Thomas Bramall initially did not show a red card. However, after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor following a VAR intervention, he sent Struijk off.
Brighton were forced to reorganise with 10 men, giving Sunderland an opportunity to take control of the contest.
Brighton defend resolutely under pressure
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Brighton remained organised and limited Sunderland’s ability to turn their extra player into clear scoring chances.
Sunderland enjoyed periods of possession but struggled to break through the visitors’ defensive structure. Brighton’s players worked tirelessly to protect their advantage as the home side searched for an equaliser.
The hosts were unable to make their numerical advantage count, leaving Brighton increasingly confident as the match approached its closing stages.
Hadjam seals victory in stoppage time
Brighton finally put the contest beyond Sunderland in the 90th minute plus three.
Jaouen Hadjam struck late to make it 2–0, prompting celebrations among the visiting players and supporters while sections of the home crowd began leaving the Stadium of Light.
The late goal completed a disciplined performance from Hürzeler’s side, who showed composure and defensive resilience after losing a player.
Brighton maintain momentum as Sunderland struggle
The victory continued Brighton’s strong run of form following their impressive 3–0 win over Arsenal before the international break.
With 13 points, the Seagulls remained third in the Premier League standings and strengthened their early-season position.
Sunderland, meanwhile, were left with four points and just one league victory. Their inability to capitalise on Brighton’s red card will be a concern for manager Régis Le Bris as the Black Cats seek to improve their results.
Brighton’s ability to protect their lead with 10 men was the defining feature of the afternoon, while Hadjam’s stoppage-time finish ensured their hard work was rewarded with a two-goal victory.