Mitoma scores a spectacular solo goal, putting Brighton ahead.

Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma dribbled from midfield to score the opening goal, helping Brighton beat Wolves 4-1 and move to the top of the Premier League.

In the 15th minute, Mitoma received the ball on the left wing, about 50 meters from the goal. From there, the 26-year-old Japanese winger broke through the center, dribbled past four Wolves defenders, and then beat goalkeeper Jose Sa.

Following his spectacular solo goal, Mitoma assisted Estupinan to double Brighton's lead in the 46th minute. Solly March scored the remaining two goals for Brighton in the 51st and 55th minutes. Wolves only managed to pull one back, with Hwang Hee-chan scoring in the 61st minute.

Following their victory on August 19th, Brighton moved to the top of the Premier League with six points and a goal difference of 8-2. Manchester City also have six points, but are in second place with a goal difference of 4-0. Previously, in the first round, Brighton were in second place after defeating newly promoted Luton Town 4-1.

Mitoma joined Brighton in 2021 from Kawasaki Frontale (Japan) for three million pounds. The 26-year-old winger began playing for the English club last season, after a season on loan at Belgian club Union SG. In 43 appearances for Brighton, he scored 11 goals and provided nine assists. Mitoma has seven assists in the Premier League, more than any other Japanese player in the history of the league.

Mitoma (left) celebrates his goal against Wolves on August 19th. Photo: PM

Mitoma is also a star for the Japanese national team. He has scored seven goals in 17 international matches, and was part of the squad that reached the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup and the semi-finals of the 2021 Olympics.

At the age of 16, Mitoma surprised everyone by turning down a professional contract to attend university. He then wrote his graduation thesis on the art of dribbling. Mitoma conducted his research by attaching a camera to his head to record his movements and examining which movements helped him get past opponents.

Brighton have taken the lead in the Premier League after selling Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool and Robert Sanchez and Moises Caicedo to Chelsea. These three transfers brought in $223 million. Last season, the Falmer Stadium club also sold Yves Bissouma, Marc Cucurella, Neil Maupay, and Leandro Trossard, earning $149 million. Brighton are known for their policy of buying low and selling high. Before selling Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo this summer, they only spent $14 million to acquire them.

Thanh Quy

Source link