Football: High-flying Brighton earn 2-1 victory over Leicester

Danny Welbeck scores Brighton & Hove Albion's second goal. PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON (REUTERS) - Brighton and Hove Albion secured a 2-1 home win over Leicester City on Sunday (Sept 19) thanks to a controversial penalty and a Danny Welbeck header that put them third in the Premier League despite Jamie Vardy's 150th goal in his 250th game for the Foxes.

The hosts went ahead after 35 minutes when Leicester's Jannik Vestergaard was adjudged to have handled the ball and despite the replay showing he was being fouled by Neal Maupay the decision stood, with Maupay blasting home the spot kick.

Welbeck made it two five minutes after the break, stealing in behind Vardy to score with a glancing header form a free kick, but Vardy was not ready to let the game go.

The striker pulled one back for Leicester in the 61st with a close-range finish after a delightful ball from Youri Tielemans and the visitors surged forward looking for an equaliser.

The Foxes had the ball in the net twice more before the final whistle but both times Harvey Barnes was judged to be in an offside position as the home side hung on to win.

Foxes boss Brendan Rogers was left fuming about some of the officiating as his side continued their struggle to get their league campaign firing on all cylinders.

"It was not a penalty, and we were really surprised when that went against us. I think it's clear and I'm just disappointed with it," he told the BBC.

The victory lifts Brighton to provisional third spot on 12 points, one behind leaders Liverpool and Manchester United, though they could be overtaken if Chelsea win at Tottenham Hotspur later on Sunday.

Leicester are 12th on six points.

"We've won two and lost three so it's not a great start and by no way have we hit top gear that's for sure," Rogers added.

"But I feel that some things have gone against us in terms of injuries... but I also feel it's our responsibility and, in particular, mine - I need to find the balance in the team."

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