Brighton beat Sunderland 2-0 despite Pascal Struijk red card

Brighton & Hove Albion secured a 2-0 away win over Sunderland in the sixth round of the Premier League, scoring once in each half.

The first period ended goalless as Sunderland looked to make home advantage count. Brighton’s defence dealt with the hosts’ attacking pressure, while the visitors also created opportunities without finding a breakthrough.

Brighton took the lead eight minutes after half-time. Maxim De Cuyper scored in the 53rd minute to put the visitors ahead.

Their task became more difficult four minutes later when Pascal Struijk was sent off in the 57th minute, leaving Brighton with 10 players.

Sunderland attempted to take advantage of their numerical superiority and mounted a series of attacks in search of an equaliser. Brighton resisted the pressure, maintained their lead and added a second goal in stoppage time to complete the victory.