Brighton match-winner Joao Pedro says he was happy to show the power of the Seagulls as they beat Manchester United 2-1 on the South Coast.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side took the lead through Danny Welbeck early on, who netted his 100th career goal, but were pegged back by Amad Diallo’s second-half equaliser.
The Red Devils had two goals ruled out. Firstly after Marcus Rashford appeared to have scored, but was judged to be offside, and again when Alejandro Garnacho netted, but it was ruled out as it touched Joshua Zirkzee on the way through.
United’s misfortune was then compounded by further misery as Pedro headed home in added time to snatch all the points for his side.
And the Brazilian was delighted at how his team performed in a rainy and end-to-end match.
Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “First I’m very happy for the win. I think this goal at the end shows how much we wanted to win the game, first game at home against a big team.
“We all wanted to show our power” 💪
Joao Pedro reflects on his late winner against Man Utd with @JULESBREACH ⚽️ PIC.TWITTER.COM/HDJZKZOINX
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) AUGUST 24, 2024
“I cannot feel better than today. I think the team did well and now we need to rest because we have another big game next weekend.
“I think the fans know the power of the team so they always expect a great game against big teams and today we won so I think everyone is happy and we need to enjoy.
“Like the gaffer said to us, we need to believe in ourselves, we know they are United, a big club, but I think everyone wants to show our power.
“I think this is what motivates us to fight against a big team and you never know. Now we need to think about the next game, another big team.”
“I think he’s a very good person, he always tries to push us to believe in ourselves, to keep it going.
“I think it was another big game for us, another three points and this is what he wants: to fight, push, until the end.”
Brighton’s win sends them top on a temporary basis ahead of the rest of the weekend’s matches.
But for United, it raises more questions around Erik ten Hag as he failed to deliver after only just squeezing by Fulham on the opening night.
