Six things we learned from Brighton's win at Rotherham

Back to winning ways and a catchy new song. Here's six things we learned from Brighton's win at Rotherham last night.

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Uwe Hunemeier. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)Uwe Hunemeier. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)
Uwe Hunemeier. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)

THAT'S MORE LIKE IT

The second half performance was much more like Albion. After a disjointed performance at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, the first half at Rotherham was pretty even chance-wise. Although Brighton were much the better side on the ball and in possession, a goal could have come at either end.

The Seagulls upped their game in the second period and Rotherham, who now have just one point from ten games, rarely threatened. Dale Stephens and Beram Kayal bossed the midfield and only wasteful finishing prevented Albion from winning by more.

PESSIMISM TURNS TO OPTIMISM

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While Seagulls fans were wary and worried about a third successive defeat going into the fixture with rock bottom Rotherham, it's fair to say there was not a lot of optimism among the home supporters or reporters pre kick-off - one Millers fan said he felt his side were as good as down at Christmas.

Despite missing top-scorer Danny Ward through injury, the hosts went close on more than one occasion in the first half but once Albion went ahead, it was just a case of how many the Seagulls would win by.

The result and especially the second half performance will give Albion supporters optimism heading into the home clash with Derby County on Friday.

KING OF THE JUNGLE

A catchy new song for German defender Uwe Hunemeier was among the highlights of an outstanding second half performance by Albion.

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To the tune of 'The Lion Sleeps tonight' by The Tokens, the Seagulls supporters sung: 'He's our German, our mighty German, Uwe Hunemeier' on repeat for a good five minutes. When the Albion fans got to the high-pitched part, it brought more than a few chuckles in the seats around the press area.

Hunemeier smiled when asked about the song afterwards and also praised the Albion support who travelled in number to cheer the team on, with 1,006 Seagulls fans in attendance.With Shane Duffy ruled out for six weeks, Hunemeier will have a big part to play in the run-in now.

CHARACTER AND EXPERIENCE

It's great to see Liam Rosenior back in action after a long-term ankle injury.

He played for the first time in six months at Nottingham Forest on Saturday and made his second appearance since August last night. Despite playing as a right-footed left-back, Rotherham's attacking players had little joy against him.

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His positivity and experience will be crucial to the Albion squad in the final ten league games as he is a key influence in the dressing room.

SKILLS TO PAY THE BILLS

Solly March really is a joy to watch when he's on song. He caused havoc for the Rotherham defenders with his tricks, turns and skill in the 17 minutes he was on the pitch.

Defenders don't know what he's going to do, which is what makes him so dangerous and he easily could have got an assist late on when his cross was just too high for Glenn Murray.He scored his second goal of the season with a sweet strike from 20 yards, although Rotherham keeper Lewis Price will be disappointed he did not keep the shot out.

NUMBER ONE (WELL, 13)

By his own high standards, it was a shocker by David Stockdale that led to Nottingham Forest's second goal on Saturday.

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Aside from one miskick in the first half, he was his usual solid self. One excellent low save with his feet early on kept Albion level and an even better save, acrobatically pushing away a goalbound Jerry Yates shot after 26 minutes, ensured Albion went into half-time at 0-0.

He had little to do in the second half as he kept his 17th clean sheet of the season.

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