Brighton & Hove Albion 2 Bournemouth 0
Alireza Jahanbakhsh finally pushed the monkey off his back as the Seagulls’ one-time record signing fired the Albion ahead after three minutes.
The Iranian international sent Brighton on their way to a vital Premier League win at home to Bournemouth.
Jahanbakhsh looked almost overcome with emotion as he celebrated in front of the East Stand.
Bournemouth, with Sussex-born ex-Albion defender Steve Cook as their captain, looked shell-shocked.
Joshua King forced Maty Ryan to palm an effort away as both teams pushed forward.
Jahanbakhsh then almost turned provider as he crossed for Neal Maupay whose shot sailed over.
Albion were having a lot of attacking play, similar to the way that they performed against Spurs.
Janhanbakhsh tried his luck again from a Leandro Trossard pass but this time his shot was charged down.
The unusual pairing of Aaron Mooy and Yves Bissouma in the Albion midfield was having an impact, with Davy Propper playing a deeper role.
Bournemouth gained the ascendancy as the half wore on and Joshua King and Harry Wilson both had great chances to equalise.
But they were thwarted by Ryan and a combination of Lewis Dunk and great blocks from Shane Duffy and Dan Burn.
Albion were aware of the need for a second goal to see off the game.
Trossard and Bissouma were combining well but it was Aaron Mooy who was the engine pushing Albion forward.
Mooy had a shot from distance, which had another Aaron, this time Bournemouth keeper, Ramsdale scrambling across his goal line but the shot was wide.
Bissouma then casually waltzed through the Cherries defence only to see his low shot come back off the post.
