Leandro Trossard makes Adam Lallana admission after match winner at Southampton

Leandro Trossard scored his third goal of the season at Southampton during Brighton's 2-1 triumph

The Seagulls were looking over their shoulders after three straight defeats and no wins in five meant they kicked off level on points with resurgent Fulham in 18th.

But victory at St Mary’s, their fifth away from home this season, gives Graham Potter’s side some breathing space at the bottom and, notably, saw them climb above Newcastle.

Lewis Dunk headed them ahead and, although Che Adams equalised for Saints with his third goal in three matches, Trossard conjured up a classy second-half winner.

Brighton winger Leandro Trossard: "It was very important. Finally we got what we deserved. We were the better team overall and finally we got the three points. It’s a relief and now we can build on that.

"It’s always nice to score a goal, especially in this game as we needed those three points.

"You always try as a team to score goals, we created a lot of chances this season already, we didn’t convert them unfortunately but today we scored two and won the game, so we are really happy."

Adam Lallana played in a slightly deeper role at St Mary's but his influence was immense - something that didn't go unnoticed by Trossard.

Lallana was instumental in Trossard's winner as he picked out Danny Welbeck, who pinged a first-time lay-off straight into the path of Trossard.

The Belgium winger barely had to break stride as he scythed through the Southampton backline and crashed his shot past Forster.

"He’s an important player. He’s experienced, has great quality on the ball and we need him as a team. He’s added that extra bit for us and we are really happy to have him."

Next up for Brighton is a crunch match against fellow strugglers Newcastle. Another three points would give further daylight between Albion and the drop and drag Steve Bruce's team into greater trouble.

"Every game is a big game," Trossard added. "We try to win every game. It’s nice that we have that winning feeling again and we want to win that game as well.

"We go again next week, but let’s enjoy this feeling and then build on it."