The Premier League never fails to deliver heart-stopping drama, and the recent Brighton vs West Ham clash was no exception. The game at the Amex Stadium saw Brighton snatch a thrilling 3-2 win, scoring twice in the last five minutes. Fans witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions, late goals, and a stunning match-winner that will be talked about for weeks to come.

Early Promise and End-to-End Action

Both teams entered the match with much to prove. Brighton hoped to end a six-game winless streak, while West Ham aimed to find stability under new manager Graham Potter. Early signs showed these were two sides eager for points. Brighton took charge in the first half, playing with high intensity and precise pressing.

Yasin Ayari opened the scoring for the hosts in the 13th minute. Ayari's curled strike into the top corner electrified the home fans and showcased Brighton's intent. The Seagulls continued to threaten and even found the net a second time, but Simon Adingra's effort was ruled out for offside. West Ham, although outplayed for stretches, still posed a threat on the break. Tomas Soucek nearly equalized with a powerful header, only to be denied by the crossbar and Bart Verbruggen's fingertips.

For those interested in a detailed play-by-play of the action and tactical breakdown, BBC Sport offers comprehensive live commentary and stats from Brighton vs West Ham.

Second-Half Turnaround and High Drama

The match turned on its head within moments of the restart. West Ham struck back quickly in the second half, as Jarrod Bowen set up Mohammed Kudus for a well-taken close-range equalizer. Suddenly, the momentum shifted. West Ham began to wrest control, and with just seven minutes remaining in regulation, Soucek finally powered in a header from a flawless Bowen cross, putting the Hammers 2-1 ahead.

West Ham fans could taste a much-needed away win. However, the closing minutes would provide even more drama.

The Last-Minute Magic: Mitoma and Baleba Shine

With time running out, Brighton showed true resilience. In the 89th minute, Kaoru Mitoma's clever header brought the score to 2-2, lighting up the Amex one more time. Yet, the real moment of magic was still to come. Deep into stoppage time, Carlos Baleba unleashed an unstoppable curling shot from outside the box, sealing a 3-2 victory for Brighton and breaking their winless run in spectacular fashion.

To watch the video highlights and see Baleba’s wonder strike, check out Sky Sports’ Brighton 3-2 West Ham match highlights and analysis.

What This Result Means

This defeat adds to the growing pains for West Ham under Graham Potter, who has struggled to secure consistent results since his mid-season appointment. As noted by The Guardian’s expert analysis, only a handful of Premier League teams have collected fewer points in the same period.

On the flip side, Brighton's stunning finish pushes them further up the table and signals renewed hope for a European push. Carlos Baleba, in particular, starred not just as the match-winner but as a potential target for top clubs this summer due to his all-around midfield prowess.

Conclusion: A Match for the Ages

Brighton vs West Ham provided everything fans love about English football—intensity, skill, and late-game heroics. Performances by Ayari, Mitoma, and Baleba will be remembered, while West Ham are left to regroup and look ahead. For fuller tactical insights and expert post-match reaction, revisit the BBC Sport report or The Guardian’s match analysis.

Don't miss Brighton's next big test or West Ham's bid to bounce back—Premier League drama is far from over.