Brighton go 10 points clear of drop zone with win over Leeds
Sports Desk, May 1 (EFE).- Brighton & Hove Albion defeated Leeds United 2-0 Saturday, a result that looks to have assured the Seagulls of staying in the Premier League for a fifth consecutive season.
The South Coast club moved up to 14th in the table on 37 points, 10 more than 18th-place Fulham with four games left in the season.
With 47 points, Leeds are secure in the middle of the table but Saturday’s loss closes the door of any chance of grabbing a Europa League spot.
The first victory in four matches for the hosts marked the end of a six-game unbeaten streak for Leeds that included a triumph over champions-in-waiting Manchester City and draws against Liverpool and Manchester United.
Despite conceded nearly 60 percent possession, the hosts put five shots on target to two for Marcelo Bielsa’s squad.
Leandro Trossard forced a save from Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier in the 7th minute, seven minutes before a clumsy foul by Ezgjan Alioski on Danny Welbeck led to a penalty for Brighton.
Pascal Gross converted to put the Seagulls up 1-0. The home side had opportunities to increase the lead before the break, but Trossard fired over the cross-bar in the 40th minute and Welbeck sent a strike wide of the target in the 42nd.
The best chance for Leeds was an effort by Stuart Dallas in the 76th minute that went over the cross-bar.
The opening for a comeback narrowed considerably in the 79th minute when Pascal Struijk failed to deal with a long ball into the box and Welbeck beat Meslier for the 2-0. EFE apa/dr
