Saturday 9 September 2017 18:26, UK
Brighton manager Chris Hughton reserved special praise for Pascal Gross after the German inspired them to a first Premier League win at the expense of West Brom.
Gross scored twice and assisted the third as Brighton ran out 3-1 winners over the Baggies at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The opener, which came on the stroke of half-time, ended Brighton's wait for a first Premier League goal, while Gross scored once more just three minutes after the break.
The 26-year-old joined Brighton from Ingolstadt in the summer, and Hughton was pleased to see the club's recruitment work bear fruit.
"[Gross] has been good for us since day one," Hughton told Sky Sports after the match.
"He settled in very easily. He has done most of the pre-season with us, which always helps, but he's a flexible player who can play in a few positions across the midfield. That adaptability will certainly help us.
"Credit to our recruitment department. He has been on our radar for a few years now, I was made aware of him some two-and-a-half years ago."
"He's a hard worker and what he can give us is that adaptability."
After starting their first top-flight campaign since 1983 with two losses and one draw, Brighton were good value for the debut win.
Gross capitalised on some lax West Brom defending to grab his double, while his cross for Tomer Hemed helped the Israeli score his first Premier League goal.
James Morrison popped up with a consolation in the 77th minute, but it did little to sour the mood on a famous day for Brighton's fans.
"It's a big three points," Hughton added. "Any team that comes up from the Championship, and after a few decent performances without a win, it certainly the day a lot better.
"If you don't get that win, apprehension creeps in. But we thoroughly deserved it."
