Alan Shearer's praise for Brighton forward Joao Pedro

The Brazil forward scored one goal and made another as the Seagulls won 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium.

Alan Shearer, the all-time leading Prem goalscorer, was suitably impressed.

Shearer believes Albion’s attacking strength can make the difference amid the clutch of teams competing for places in the leading pack.

The former England No.9 said: “He was superb today and they just edged it in those forward positions.

“They are really strong with him, Rutter, Mitoma and Welbeck.

“Their understanding and they linked really well today in Rutter and Joao Pedro.”

The opening goal came when Joao Pedro pounced on a rebound.

Shearer said: “This for me is a brilliant centre-forward goal.

“The way he follows it up and he is expecting the rebound to get there.

“He reacts before anyone else does and then he gets his reward.

“His hold-up play was superb at times when he had to keep hold of the ball and bring his team-mates into play.”

Looking at the winner, by Kaoru Mitoma, Shearer said: “This is such a clever goal.

“He is having a look around him.

“There is no one with him.

“When he gets the ball, can he find the weight of pass?

“The right pass with a brilliant run from Mitoma and such a clever finish.

“That, I think, could edge it for Brighton when you are talking about how successful they can be this season.

“In forward positions, I have mentioned the four.

“They have also got Evan Ferguson, who’s on the bench, and (Yankuba) Minteh.

“The options they have got up there makes them a real threat.”

Presenter Gary Lineker felt the second yellow card which saw Carlos Baleba dismissed “seemed a bit harsh”.

Former Nottingham Forest and Wales defender Ashley Williams said: “I’m not even sure that’s a foul at all.

“It’s definitely not a yellow card. He has tried to get the ball.

“He has kind of maybe touched him a little bit over the top.

“But I don’t see where that’s a yellow card at all.”

“It’s unfortunate for him.”