Aussies Abroad: Magic Mooy scores stunner in Brighton’s Premier League win

Caltex Socceroos star Aaron Mooy scored a sublime goal as Brighton recorded a vital 2-0 win over Bournemouth overnight.

Mooy capped a man-of-the-match display with the game-sealing goal 11 minutes from time at the Amex Stadium.

The Seagulls took a third minute lead through Alireza Jahanbakhsh as they made a fast-start looking to end a four-game winless run.

And with Mooy controlling the match in the middle of the park it was only a matter of time before the home side made the result safe.

The 29-year-old, on loan from Huddersfield Town, controlled a cross from Leandro Trossard on his chest, before taking it away from the defender and steering past the keeper.

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It was a goal that Sky commentator Alan Smith compared to that of Arsenal great Dennis Bergkamp.

“It was an amazing feeling,” Mooy said post-match.

“I felt like we dominated large parts of the game, and I think we need the next goal to sort of kill the game a bit.

“So I was very happy, obviously, to get my first goal.”

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Fellow Aussie Maty Ryan was also excellent for the Seagulls, making a couple of vital stops as Graham Potter’s men picked up their first home win since November.

It was a crucial win for Brighton, who moved up to 14th spot on the EPL ladder, five points above the relegation zone.

They are next in action on Wednesday night at home against fourth-place Chelsea.

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Maty Ryan and Aaron Mooy celebrate Brighton's first goal with teammates
Maty Ryan and Aaron Mooy celebrate Brighton's first goal with teammates

In Israel, Trent Sainsbury was again in the Maccabi Haifa starting side that held on for a 2-1 win over Ironi Kiryat Shmona.

There was late drama in the match as Haifa – leading 1-0 - scored in the second minute of stoppage-time through fellow Aussie Nikita Rukavytsya.

But the home side hit back almost immediately through former Wellington Phoenix striker Cillian Sheridan to set up a tense final few minutes.

Haifa held on for the win to stay second in the Israeli top-flight, three points behind leaders Maccabi Tel Aviv.

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Meanwhile, Aziz Behich was on the bench as his Istanbul Basaksehir thrashed Kasimpasa 5-1 in the Turkish capital.

Istanbul are right on the tail of leaders Sivasspor, one point off top spot, although they have played a game more.

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