REPORT: Southampton suffer 2-1 home defeat to Brighton

Southampton slipped to a 2-1 Premier League defeat to Brighton, as they still struggle to right the ship.

Saints have recorded back-to-back league defeats after appearing to have picked up some confidence with their win over Sheffield.

Lewis Dunk opened the scoring on 16 minutes when he was left unmarked in the box to head home from Pascal Gross’ corner-kick.

Saints drew level when Che Adams scored his third goal in three games, smashing an effort from close-range past Robert Sanchez.

But Leandro Trossard restored Brighton’s lead 11 minutes after the restart after former Saints man Adam Lallana linked up with Danny Welbeck to spring the Belgian free on goal to slot beyond Fraser Forster.

Adams had a chance to bring Southampton level again, but could not match his early tally from 12 yards out as he hit straight at the goalkeeper.

Brighton have climbed three points clear of the relegation zone following their first-ever victory over Southampton in the Premier League.

Southampton (4-4-2): Forster; Bertrand, Vestergaard, Bednarek, Walker-Peters; Minamino (Redmond 65), Diallo, Ward-Prowse, Armstrong (N’Lundulu 87); Adams; Tella (Djenepo 68)

Unused subs: McCarthy (GK), Redmond, Stephens, Ferry, Ramsay, Salisu, Watts

Goals: Adams (27)

Bookings: None

Brighton: (4-4-2): Sanchez; Burn (Zeqiri 45), Dunk, White, Veltman; Trossard (Moder 85), Bissouma, Lallana, Gross; Maupay, Welbeck (Propper 77)

Unused subs: Steele (GK), Propper, Jahanbakhsh, Izquierdo, Tau, Alzate, Mac Allister, Moder

Goals: Dunk (16), Trossard (56)

Bookings: None