Brighton, Palace, Fulham and Chelsea all secure big wins

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The Premier League returned for some midweek action as we head towards March and four games were on offer to kick-off proceedings on Tuesday.

Brighton and Bournemouth met for a huge clash at the Amex with both sides chasing a Champions League spot this season and seeking to keep pace with the teams around them.

While in South London, Oliver Glasner’s resurgent Crystal Palace side welcomed Aston Villa, also looking to finish in the Premier League’s top four this season.

Meanwhile, Fulham travelled to Wolves, who are still not safe from relegation while the Cottagers can sniff a rare campaign in Europe.

And Chelsea hosted bottom-placed Southampton in what could only be viewed as a confidence booster for the Blues.

Read on to see how all the action unfolded under the lights.

Brighton 2-1 Bournemouth

Brighton secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Amex Stadium, with Danny Welbeck’s late strike the deciding factor.

The Seagulls started brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute when Joao Pedro converted a penalty, awarded after Kepa Arrizabalaga brought down the Brazilian in the box.

Brighton continued to create chances, with Kaoru Mitoma hitting the post and Georginio Rutter seeing multiple efforts blocked. However, Bournemouth also threatened, with Antoine Semenyo forcing Bart Verbruggen into a key save before the break.

After half-time, Bournemouth pushed for an equaliser and were rewarded in the 61st minute when Justin Kluivert unleashed a stunning long-range strike into the top corner.

The Cherries grew in confidence, with James Hill and Marcus Tavernier both going close heading into the late stages.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler responded by introducing Welbeck, and the move paid off instantly. Just moments after coming on, Welbeck latched onto Rutter’s through-ball and finished off the far post in the 75th minute, restoring the Seagulls’ lead.

Bournemouth pushed for a late equaliser, with Kluivert and Luis Sinisterra both testing Verbruggen, while even Kepa ventured forward for a last-gasp corner, but it was a goal they would not find.

The victory lifts Brighton as they continue their strong home form in 2025, while Bournemouth’s seven-game unbeaten away run comes to an end despite a spirited performance.

Crystal Palace 4-1 Aston Villa

Crystal Palace produced a scintillating performance to overpower Aston Villa 4-1 at Selhurst Park.

The first half started slowly, with few chances in the opening 15 minutes. However, Palace broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when Ismaila Sarr pounced on a rebound from Chris Richard’s header to slot home.

Villa thought they had equalised through Morgan Rogers, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR check. Palace held a narrow 1-0 lead at half-time.

Villa came out stronger in the second half and found their equaliser in the 52nd minute when Rogers latched onto an Ollie Watkins flick-on before finishing past Dean Henderson.

However, Palace responded swiftly, with Jean-Philippe Mateta restoring their lead just seven minutes later after a clever layoff from Eberechi Eze.

Sarr then doubled his tally in the 71st minute with a stunning volley into the far corner. Villa pushed for a response, but Palace’s denied them any clear-cut opportunities.

The hosts sealed the victory in stoppage time when substitute Eddie Nketiah tapped in a low cross from Tyrick Mitchell to make it 4-1.

The Selhurst Park faithful erupted in celebration as Palace extended their impressive form under Oliver Glasner.

Wolves 1-2 Fulham

Fulham secured a 2-1 victory over Wolves at Molineux, with quick starts in both halves proving the key difference.

Ryan Sessegnon opened the scoring just minutes into the match, finishing coolly past Jose Sa after Andreas Pereira’s perfectly weighted through ball split the Wolves defence.

Despite the early setback, Wolves responded well and found an equaliser in the 19th minute. Rayan Ait-Nouri’s dangerous cross caused havoc in the Fulham box, allowing Joao Gomes to unleash a powerful strike past Bernd Leno.

After an even remainder of the first half, Fulham once again struck early in the second period. Rodrigo Muniz latched onto a superb pass from Adama Traore and executed a delightful chip over the onrushing Sa, putting the visitors back in front in the 47th minute.

Wolves pushed for another equaliser, enjoying long spells of possession and creating several half-chances. Matheus Cunha and Gomes both came close, while a crucial block from Doyle prevented Pereira from extending Fulham’s lead.

As the game entered stoppage time, Wolves continued to press but lacked the cutting edge to break through. Fulham saw out the closing moments, securing three valuable points on the road.

Chelsea 4-0 Southampton

Chelsea delivered a dominant performance as they eased past Southampton with a 4-0 win. Enzo Maresca’s side took control early and never looked back in front of a delighted home crowd.

The breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Christopher Nkunku arrived at the back post to nod home after a flick-on from Tosin Adarabioyo. Chelsea doubled their advantage just over ten minutes later, with Pedro Neto latching onto Nkunku’s pass before firing in at the near post.

The hosts added a third just before half-time, as Levi Colwill rose highest to powerfully head Neto’s pinpoint cross past Aaron Ramsdale.

The Blues eventually capped off their dominant display in the 78th minute when Tyrique George picked out Marc Cucurella, who fired home from the penalty spot area to make it 4-0.

Southampton offered little in attack, with their best opportunity falling to Paul Onuachu, whose header was denied by Filip Jorgensen.

It was a professional and polished performance from Chelsea, who continue their push for a top-four finish.




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