Brighton 2-1 Bournemouth: Danny Welbeck strikes off the bench to put the hosts level on points with Cherries – after Justin Kluivert’s wonder goal cancelled out Joao Pedro’s penalty

There will have been those inside the Amex Stadium last night too young to remember when this clash was played as a League One fixture just 14 years ago.

Look at them now. Two of the most entertaining, exciting sides in the best league in the world, both harbouring dreams of upsetting the odds by nabbing a European spot.

It was a breathless, absorbing game. It created the viewing experience you’d expect on Centre Court at Wimbledon, rather than at a Premier League game. And it was Brighton’s old-timer Danny Welbeck who sent down the decisive ace.

Earlier, a Justin Kluivert stunner had levelled for Bournemouth after Joao Pedro won and then converted a penalty for the hosts.

Goalkeeper Kepa was the guilty party. Only fitting given the way Chelsea goalkeepers have dominated the debate in recent months.

In fact, such is his impressive form for Andoni Iraola’s side, the decision to ship Kepa out on loan to the south coast has grown more puzzling by the week given the Blues’ own issues in that spot.

Joao Pedro coolly took the lead from the penalty spot in the 12th minute against the Cherries

The Brazilian was brought down himself by Kepa Arrizabalaga before taking the spot-kick

But when he crashed into Pedro as the Brazilian attacker stormed into the box, referee Michael Oliver was left with no choice but to point to the spot.

The Spaniard’s nightmare could have begun even earlier too. His attempted punch to Yankuba Minteh’s cross was more featherweight than heavyweight and the ball dropped to Georginio Rutter, who nodded inches wide.

Moments later, Kepa wasn’t as lucky. Brighton debutant Diego Gomez was given a gift on his full debut as the sea of red and black shirts parted in front of him. Pedro tore forwards into the space and Gomez slid the pass his way. 

Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen tried to put him off but ended up pushing Pedro into the onrushing Kepa. Pedro dusted himself down and made no mistake from the spot.

Bournemouth responded well to the setback with Antoine Semenyo forcing goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen into a save. At the other end, Kaoru Mitoma fired a warning shot of his own, watching his acrobatic volley thud against the post.

The game continued at break-neck speed after half-time with Kluivert curling agonisingly wide after leaving Minteh in his dust.

Shortly after, following a slight adjustment to his radar, Kluivert levelled in style.

Tariq Lamptey and Minteh thought they’d performed their defensive duties when they forced Kluivert in-field. 

Justin Kluivert equalised midway through the second half with a goal of the season contender

The result was a disappointing blow for Andoni Iraola’s side and their European ambitions

Only that pushed him onto his stronger right foot and he let rip from 20 yards, the ball whooshing past the helpless Bart Verbruggen in a flash.

Verbruggen then denied Dango Ouattara from point-blank range before substitute Welbeck grabbed the winner just two minutes after coming on.

A glorious turn from Rutter created space and he found Welbeck, the coolest man on the pitch, who finished past Kepa.

Then Oliver blew his whistle and we all remembered to breathe again.