Scott & Semenyo score as Bournemouth beat Brighton

Bournemouth made the most of their superior quality to grind out a hard-fought Premier League win against Brighton at Vitality Stadium.

The hosts took the lead through a wonderful Alex Scott strike in the first half, with Scott turning and firing inside the near post after Antoine Semenyo did well to hold up the ball and tee him up on the edge of the area.

Brighton were shaken by early injuries to Jack Hinshelwood and Maxim de Cuyper and struggled to find their groove in the first half.

But they immediately improved after the break and Kaoru Mitoma levelled the score when, unmarked at the back post, he leaped to head home a Yankuba Minteh cross.

Brighton's display was better in the second half but there was still sloppiness and they were soon behind again when Semenyo slotted in from the penalty spot after Evanilson was brought down by Jan Paul van Hecke.

The visitors could not find the needed rhythm in a scrappy encounter and were unable to hit back again as Bournemouth saw out victory.

Bournemouth analysis: Superior Cherries seal deserved win

While this was far from a perfect performance by Bournemouth, there were clear moments of promise throughout.

Full-back Adrien Truffert, in particular, was impressive, darting up and down the left flank to keep Brighton out and provide another dimension up front.

Semenyo was his typical creative self, looking to work openings with the ball at his feet and being patient to release his team-mates at the right moments.

Despite being unable to keep what would have been a third successive clean sheet, there were positive signs of new signing Veljko Milosavljevic's talents as the defender added a clear touch of solidity to the Cherries' backline.

For the most part, Bournemouth were simply sharper, hungrier and more creative than their opponents.

There may not have been many similarities to their 1-0 win against Tottenham before the break - where Andoni Iraola's men tormented Spurs' defence and should have scored more - but they were once again a cut above their opposition and showed they are a well-drilled side.

A little more quality up front may have made victory more easy, but in the end it was not needed.

Brighton analysis: Sub-par Seagulls made to pay

Losing two players and conceding so early in the game was a definite knock for Brighton, who struggled to get going for far too long and did not manage to maintain any periods of momentum.

They were dangerous for short bursts after the restart and managed to equalise, but Bournemouth always seemed in control and the more likely victors.

The second-half penalty typified their shortcomings as Lewis Dunk misplaced a pass to allow the Cherries to counter and Van Hecke unnecessarily placed his leg in a position where Evanilson could easily draw a foul.

There were some elements which will please manager Fabian Hurzeler, such as the tireless work of winger Minteh, but clear positives were few and far between.

Having to make two early substitutions prevented the quadruple change which proved so effective in their 2-1 win against Manchester City, and they were unable to turn things around this time.

The Seagulls were not fluid enough, lacked sharpness and were not as lively as their opponents.

What's next for these sides?

Bournemouth host Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday, 21 September, at 14:00 BST.

Brighton take on Tottenham at Amex Stadium at 15:00 on Saturday.