Brighton & Hove Albion 3-2 Manchester United: 5 Talking Points 

#3 Brighton played smart in the second half:

Hughton's tactics were impressive in the second half

Chris Hughton has a tendency to set up his sides with defence as the primary priority. They look to attack sporadically yet clinically, and that was visible in their approach in the final forty-five minutes.

After having snatched the two-goal cushion through the Gross’ goal in the 42nd minute, they restructured their tactics and played according to the demands of the situation.

Brighton were shrewd enough to understand that sitting back and inviting pressure would put United in the attacking front, so they continued with the high-press in the midfield areas.

They showed better zest and desire to recover the ball and move it forward, hence never allowing United to build their play from the midfield.

Eventually, Jose had to resort to his Plan ‘B’, bring Marouane Fellaini in for Anthony Martial at around the hour mark. After Fellaini’s introduction, the plan changed to launch long balls, whilst also mixing it with some passes from the centre.

However, Brighton looked to dominate in the air, and on the field too, thus neutralizing United’s strengths, and thus holding on to their lead and looking threatening on the attack accordingly whenever presented with a chance too.