The Friday kick-off snaps into life in the second half as Brighton draw Bournemouth’s sting on a night of modest Fantasy returns.
Ibe introduction inspires Cherries revival
Bournemouth huffed and puffed as an attacking unit, with Charlie Daniels undoubtedly their most likely source of danger from left-back. Until Jordan Ibe’s introduction, that is.
The winger was Eddie Howe’s response to falling behind, replacing the disappointing Ryan Fraser on 65 minutes.
First Ibe’s sublime backheel laid on Andrew Surman for his assured strike. The winger then collected a cleared corner kick to thread Jermain Defoe in for the winner.
That was Defoe’s first goal back at the club, and could now provide the catalyst for further returns.
But in truth, his combination with Josh King is still a work in progress which stuttered throughout, with little understanding on show between the pair.
Defoe and King will now look to Ibe to feed them chances with a trip to Everton up next. Ibe would seem almost certain to earn a start at Goodison Park after his intervention on Friday.
Gross makes his mark
While on the losing side and part of a largely unambitious Brighton performance, Pascal Gross still emerged with great credit.
It was his superb cross that provided Solly March’s opening goal.
Prior to that, Gross had also provided two corners that presented the visitors with golden opportunities.
He was eventually replaced on 76 minutes, having earlier received treatment for a knee injury. He played on with the knock and, as it stands, there are no reports that he has suffered any repercussions.
The German’s contribution earned him two bonus points and a seven-point tally to reward the 193,000+ that had snapped him up following his 18 points in Gameweek 4.
While the Seagulls were hopelessly negative for much of the match, Gross could still prosper over a run of favourable home fixtures.
They face Newcastle United at the Amex Stadium next, with Everton, Southampton, Stoke City and Crystal Palace making up the next five opponents on the south coast.
Gross has been signed by over 10,000 managers overnight – second only to Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
