In a remarkable performance, Kaoru Mitoma has etched his name into the annals of football history by surpassing the record for most goals scored by a Japanese player in the English Premier League. On Sunday, Mitoma starred in Brighton and Hove Albion’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. With this achievement, he not only added to his personal tally but also contributed significantly to Brighton's impressive run, securing their position among the European contenders.

Breaking Barriers: Mitoma's Milestone Goal

Mitoma's second consecutive match goal pushed his season total to five and his Premier League career tally to 15, overtaking Shinji Okazaki's previous record of 14 goals for Leicester. This milestone came during a crucial away game against Manchester United, where Mitoma displayed exceptional skill and teamwork. His ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and assist teammates highlighted his growing influence within the team.

The match unfolded with Mitoma playing a pivotal role from the outset. In the fifth minute, he set up Yankuba Minteh for the opening goal after a swift run down the left flank, beating the offside trap. Despite Bruno Fernandes leveling the score for Manchester United from the penalty spot later in the first half, Mitoma reclaimed the lead for Brighton in the 60th minute. This time, it was Minteh who provided the assist, lofting a ball from the right side to the far post, where Mitoma skillfully volleyed it home while holding off a defender. "I need to keep scoring more," Mitoma remarked, emphasizing his commitment to continuous improvement.

Team Effort Propels Brighton to Victory

Brighton's success did not rest solely on Mitoma's shoulders. The team's collective effort played a vital role in securing the win. Substitute Georginio Rutter capitalized on a mistake by United goalkeeper Andre Onana, tapping in Brighton's third goal in the 76th minute. This victory marked Brighton's sixth win in seven meetings with Manchester United, solidifying their position as formidable opponents in the league.

With this win, Brighton accumulated 34 points, placing them in ninth place and keeping them in contention for a European berth. The team's resilience and strategic preparation were evident, especially considering they had only two days' rest between matches. Mitoma praised the team's readiness, stating, "We managed to prepare well as a team." This triumph underscores Brighton's growing strength and ambition in the Premier League, with Mitoma leading the charge as one of their standout performers.