When Brighton's Aaron Connolly destroyed Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham

By Derren Howard
Published 1st May 2020, 16:17 BST
Updated 3rd May 2020, 08:29 BST
Aaron Connolly's brace against Spurs on his first Premier League start was the highlight of his fledgling career so farAaron Connolly's brace against Spurs on his first Premier League start was the highlight of his fledgling career so far
Aaron Connolly's brace against Spurs on his first Premier League start was the highlight of his fledgling career so far
Few players have made a greater impact on their first start in the Premier League than Brighton and Hove Albion striker Aaron Connolly.

Connolly, then 19, was excellent on the day and proved too much for a Spurs defence crammed with established internationals - many of whom a few months prior were contesting a Champions League final with Liverpool.

His first goal was an instinctive and clever close range finish, while his second was a wonderful strike to secure a 3-0 victory and create scenes of wild celebration at the Amex.

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It was certainly a highlight of the season and the high point of Connolly's career so far.

Connolly was so impressive he was immediately called-up to Mick McCarthy's Republic of Ireland squad, where he featured against Switzerland and Georgia in their European qualifiers.

Match summary:

Super stuff from Brighton from start to finish. Controlled the match against a very tired looking Spurs team, still dizzy from their CL thrashing against Bayern Munich.

Graham Potter gave starts to youngsters Steven Alzate and Aaron Connolly and both were exceptional. Connolly took both of his goals very well and he is the first Irish teenager to score a brace in the PL since Robbie Keane for Coventry vs Derby in August 1999.

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Aaron Connolly steers home his first against BrightonAaron Connolly steers home his first against Brighton
Aaron Connolly steers home his first against Brighton

He looks a real poacher, but importantly, works hard for the team. Neal Maupay also netted his third goal of the season, as he opened the scoring after just four minutes.

Brighton were described as toothless after last week's loss at Chelsea but they were far from toothless today.

The fans loved this and an important result for the team. Not only in terms points but for the belief that Potter's style works for them.

Player ratings

Connolly cuts inside onto his right foot and blasts home his second and Albion's thirdConnolly cuts inside onto his right foot and blasts home his second and Albion's third
Connolly cuts inside onto his right foot and blasts home his second and Albion's third

Brighton: Ryan (7), Montoya (7), Webster (7), Burn (7), Dunk (7), Alzate (7), Gross (8), Mooy (8), Stephens (7), Connolly (9), Maupay (8). Subs: Bissouma (n/a), Bong (n/a), Murray (n/a).