Kaoru Mitoma scored a superb brace as Brighton & Hove Albion sealed a 3-1 win over Bournemouth at the Amex Stadium today.
Roberto De Zerbi didn’t pick the 26-year-old in the starting XI today in a rather surprising move.
However, the Italian manager introduced him in the second half, which proved to be a brilliant decision.
The score was 1-1 with a fortuitous own-goal from Milos Kerkez cancelling out Dominic Solanke’s 25th-minute strike.
The Seagulls haven’t had many bright moments up until that point, but Mitoma made an immediate impact.
The talented winger netted within seconds of his introduction, finishing past Neto after receiving the ball from Mahmoud Dahoud.
Mitouma added another on 77 minutes, nodding home an excellent cross from Pervis Estupiñán.
In his 52 minutes on the pitch, Mitoma had 22 touches, won two ground duels and had two shots on target.
Brighton have now claimed three successive Premier League victories after the 3-1 reverse against West Ham United last month.
Mitoma has been excellent since he made his senior debut last season.
He started 24 league matches last term, helping his side finish sixth to qualify for the Europa League.
In 41 appearances across all competitions, he registered ten goals and contributed eight assists.
The Japanese star has also made a solid start to the new campaign, registering three goals and three assists in seven appearances.
