Brighton Hove Albion triumphed over Manchester United with a convincing 3-1 victory during their Premier League clash at Old Trafford on January 19, 2025. This match was particularly notable for Japanese midfielder Kaoru Mitoma, who not only contributed to his team's success but also set a new record for the most Premier League goals scored by a Japanese player.
The roar of the Old Trafford crowd was still echoing as Mitoma showcased his football prowess. Within the first five minutes, he demonstrated his ability to read the game, assisting teammate Yankuba Minte for the opening goal. His accurate pass cut through the defense, allowing Minte to net the first goal of the match, and marking it as Mitoma's third assist this season.
Just moments later, the mood shifted when United equalized. Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty after Brighton's defender, Baraba, fouled Jilxze inside the box, leveling the score at 1-1. Despite this setback, Brighton's resolve didn’t falter. They continued to push forward, with both teams exchanging attacks but failing to break the stalemate before half-time.
After the interval, the match intensified. Brighton's attacking style began to pay off on the 60th minute when Mitoma, poised to seize his opportunity, leaped up and directed Minte's cross with precision past United's goalkeeper, André Onana. This goal, marking the fifth of the season for Mitoma, proved to be the decisive strike, pushing Brighton to 2-1 against their historic rivals.
Mitoma's achievements didn't stop there. With this goal, he not only solidified his position as one of the key players for Brighton but also made history by scoring his 15th Premier League goal, surpassing the previous record of 14 held by fellow Japanese player Shinji Okazaki. "This is like a dream come true for me, scoring at Old Trafford," Mitoma reflected post-match, expressing his elation over the record-breaking moment.
Brighton's attacking intensity was relentless, and they secured their victory with another goal 16 minutes before the end. Following another mix-up inside United's box, substitute player Ruteal made the most of the situation when Onana failed to properly catch the ball during the ensuing chaos. Ruteal slotted the ball home, bringing the final score to 3-1.
Mitoma’s performance was not just about scoring; it underscored his complete contribution to the match as he had also earned recognition for his assists throughout the season. His skillful play style, characterized by speed and agility, consistently positions him as one of the rising stars to watch.
Fans witnessed the emergence of Mitoma as a key figure within the Brighton squad. He made his Premier League debut on August 13, 2022, and with substantial progression over the seasons, he now holds the record for most goals scored by any Japanese player, marking his name with brilliance against one of England's most storied clubs.
With the dust settled from this remarkable encounter, Brighton moves forward with confidence as they build upon this victory, climbing the Premier League standings, and keeping their eyes set on future challenges. Meanwhile, Manchester United faces scrutiny as they look to rebound after this disappointing result, analyzing both tactical decisions and player performance for their next fixtures.
What remains clear is the historic significance of this match for Kaoru Mitoma, whose meteoric rise not only brings pride to his club but also illuminates the growing presence of Japanese talent within the Premier League. This milestone reminds supporters and critics alike of the thrilling unpredictability and excitement of top-flight football.