Brighton Dominates with 5 Goals as J. Pedro Scores Hat-Trick, Advances to FA Cup 5th Round

1. 三笘不在のブライトンが大量発！J・ペドロはハットトリック、FA杯回戦進出を決める – ライブドアニュース
2. 三笘不在のブライトンが大量発！J・ペドロはハットトリック、FA杯回戦進出を決める – ライブドアニュース.

Brilliant Brighton Secures FA Cup Fifth Round Spot with 5-Goal Thrashing

January 27, 2022

In a thrilling FA Cup fourth-round clash, Brighton and Sheffield United squared off at the Amex Stadium. Brighton, currently sitting in 7th place in the Premier League with 8 wins, 8 draws, and 5 losses, made their FA Cup debut in the third round, defeating Stoke City 4-2. On the other hand, Sheffield United, languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table with just 2 wins, 4 draws, and 15 losses, cruised to the fourth round after a 4-0 victory over Gillingham, a team from the fourth tier.

Despite missing Kaoru Mitoma, who is currently representing the Japanese national team at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, Brighton fielded a strong starting lineup featuring Pascal Gross, Joao Pedro, and Evan Ferguson. Meanwhile, Sheffield United included players like Cameron Archer and Ben Breton Diaz in their starting eleven.

The match kicked off with Sheffield United launching attacking moves, utilizing wide play to test Brighton’s defense. However, they failed to convert their chances. In the 9th minute, Brighton thought they had taken the lead when Evan Ferguson scored from a headed shot, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call against Pascal Gross.

Brighton continued to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities. In the 14th minute, Joao Pedro unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from just outside the penalty area, doubling Brighton’s lead. The Seagulls extended their advantage in the 26th minute when Perbis Estupinan played a ball to Joao Pedro, who was brought down inside the penalty area. Joao Pedro converted the resulting penalty with ease.

Sheffield United managed to pull one back in the 45th minute through Gustavo Hamer, who capitalized on a loose ball in the box. The goal was confirmed after a VAR check, with William Osula deemed onside during the buildup. Just before halftime, Osula scored again, this time with a header, leveling the score at 2-2.

In the second half, Brighton had a chance to regain the lead in the 50th minute when Joao Pedro won a penalty after a handball by Jaden Bogle. Joao Pedro confidently dispatched the spot-kick, putting Brighton back in front.

As the game progressed, both teams pushed for more goals, but it was Brighton who found the back of the net twice more. In the 69th minute, Evan Ferguson scored his second goal of the match, heading in a cross from Pascal Gross. Joao Pedro completed his hat-trick in the 79th minute with a well-placed shot from inside the box, sealing Brighton’s 5-2 victory.

The win sees Brighton progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup, maintaining their strong form in the competition. Their attacking prowess and clinical finishing proved too much for Sheffield United to handle on the day.