Jermain Defoe gets winning goal as Bournemouth come from behind to beat Brighton

Jermain Defoe fired Bournemouth to their first win of the Premier League season to relieve mounting pressure on boss Eddie Howe.

The 34-year-old rifled his first Bournemouth goal in 16 years, as the Cherries came from behind to sink Brighton 2-1.

Solly March’s header had Brighton dreaming of a second straight Premier League win, but Andrew Surman coolly levelled before England poacher Defoe stole the victory.

Tweet of the match

“Jordon ????????????????” – Leicester winger Demarai Gray (@22Demarai), linked with a move to Bournemouth this summer, was impressed by England Under-21 team-mate Jordon Ibe’s performance.

Moment of the match

Jordon Ibe threaded neatly through, Jermain Defoe spun his defender and scampered on before rifling home the winner in timeless fashion.

Star man

Jermain Defoe

The ageless goalscorer proved he still has what it takes to settle Premier League tussles.

Stat of the night

Some 16 years separate Defoe’s last two Bournemouth strikes. The England forward last scored for the Cherries during a loan stint from West Ham back in May 2001.

Ratings

Who’s up next?

Bournemouth v Brighton (Carabao Cup, September 19)

What they said

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe (on Defoe): “He’s one of the best finishers I’ve ever seen. When I was playing with him I couldn’t believe how good he was, when we first started to introduce him into the team. And he’s lost none of that. We’ve already seen it in training, just how sharp he is in front of goal.”

Brighton boss Chris Hughton: “I knew we’d be under pressure in the last periods of the game, that’s normal away from home. The two times we didn’t defend so well led to their two goals. It’s a tough lesson for us.”