Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma marked his first English Premier League start in just over a month with an assist as Brighton came from behind to beat Brentford 2-1 at home on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old, starting for the first time in four matches since Nov. 4 following a right hamstring injury, also initiated the attack that led to Brighton's winner at Amex Stadium.
Bryan Mbeumo's penalty gave Brentford a 27th-minute lead but Pascal Gross rifled low into the bottom right corner to level four minutes later after Mitoma drew two defenders down the left and laid the ball off for his German teammate at the edge of the box.
The winner arrived in the 52nd minute after Mitoma's through ball into the box again found Gross, whose chipped cross to the far post was headed in by 18-year-old Jack Hinshelwood.
"It was tough as it's been a while, but also felt great to start," Mitoma said. "I wanted to create decisive moments a bit more down the flank, but we managed to do the minimum required as a team."
