The recent Brighton vs West Ham clash in the Premier League delivered high drama, stunning goals, and a memorable finish that will linger in fans' minds. Brighton's incredible late comeback not only ended their six-match winless streak but also piled more pressure onto Graham Potter's struggling West Ham side.

A Rollercoaster at the Amex Stadium

From the opening whistle, Brighton looked determined to turn their fortunes around. Yasin Ayari broke the deadlock in the 13th minute, curling a beautiful shot into the top corner, setting the early tone for the home side. The crowd erupted, believing this might be the day their team finally tasted victory again.

West Ham, however, showed glimpses of resilience. After the interval, their attacking trio began to threaten. Mohammed Kudus drew the visitors level with a close-range finish, before Tomas Soucek powered West Ham into a 2-1 lead with just minutes left. At that point, it looked like Potter was poised for a statement win against his former club.

Late Drama and Baleba’s Brilliance

No one at the Amex was ready for what happened next. As the game reached its dying minutes, Brighton’s pressure paid off. Kaoru Mitoma headed home an equalizer in the 89th minute, breathing new life into the contest.

Then, almost with the final kick of the match, Carlos Baleba produced a moment of magic. Collecting the ball outside the box, he curled a breathtaking shot past a diving Alphonse Areola, putting Brighton 3-2 up and sending the home fans into jubilation. It was a strike worthy of winning any game.

As noted in the BBC Sport match report, Baleba was not only decisive in attack but also vital in stopping West Ham's advances. His emergence as a midfield force has been a highlight in an otherwise challenging season for the Seagulls.

Significance for Both Teams

This result carried major implications at both ends of the table. Brighton's leap to ninth place rejuvenated their hopes of European football and restored confidence within Fabian Hürzeler’s squad. For West Ham, the loss added another chapter to their disappointing 2025 campaign under Potter, who has registered just three wins in 14 league matches since taking charge. The Hammers remain just above the relegation zone, spared only by results elsewhere.

The Sky Sports highlights capture the late drama perfectly, with Brighton reversing a 2-1 deficit in the final minutes. Fans and pundits alike were left asking how West Ham managed to throw away a seemingly secured win.

Individual Performances and Tactical Notes

Brighton’s attacking play finally clicked after weeks of frustration. Key contributions came from unexpected sources, with Ayari and Mitoma finding their shooting touch, while Bart Verbruggen produced key saves to keep Brighton alive. West Ham leaned heavily on Jarrod Bowen's creativity, but the team crumbled under pressure late on. Baleba deservedly took the spotlight, his all-action display capped by a winning goal that showcased his immense potential.

As described by The Guardian, the match was always likely to end with plenty of goals, given both teams’ recent defensive frailties. For Potter, a former Brighton boss, returning to the Amex for this result stung all the more.

What’s Next?

Both clubs face critical fixtures ahead. Brighton aim to build on this momentum and chase European qualification. West Ham must regroup quickly or risk further sliding down the table. With the season drawing to a close, every point matters more than ever.

Final Thoughts

Brighton vs West Ham provided entertainment, tension, and raw emotion—everything fans love about the Premier League. Baleba’s match-winning heroics served as the perfect reminder that it’s never over until the final whistle. As the new week of fixtures approaches, all eyes will be on whether Brighton can continue their resurgence and if West Ham can find a way out of their rut.