Match Overview
On September 23, 2025, Brighton and Hove Albion turned Oakwell Stadium into a showcase of their attacking firepower, beating Barnsley 6-0 in the Carabao Cup third round. The Seagulls arrived with a clear intent to dominate, and the 7,790 fans in attendance saw exactly that. From the first whistle, Brighton pressed high, forced errors, and turned possession into goal‑mouth chances.
The scoreboard opened early when D Gómez struck in the 9th minute, slipping the ball past M Mahoney with a low drive. The goal set the tone, and just twelve minutes later he doubled the lead, capitalising on a quick counter‑attack. By the half‑hour mark, his third came from a well‑timed run into the box, leaving the Barnsley defence looking helpless. The fourth goal, arriving at 68 minutes, completed his personal haul and cemented the rout.
Late in the game, H Howell added a seventh‑minute‑of‑the‑second‑half strike, followed by Y Ayari’s finish in the 89th minute, sealing a comprehensive victory. The match ended with Brighton advancing to the next Carabao Cup stage, while Barnsley's cup hopes faded despite playing at home.
Key Players and Tactical Insights
Both teams opted for a 4-2-3-1 shape, but the execution was worlds apart. Barnsley’s back four – M Durand de Gevigney, J Shepherd, N Ogbeta and J Russell – struggled to contain Brighton’s quick transitions. Midfield captain L Connell worked hard, but the pair of holding midfielders could not shield the defence from the seagull’s wing play.
Brighton’s manager shuffled his usual lineup, showcasing squad depth that many Premier League rivals lack. The bench featured seasoned names like Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke, Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma, all ready to step in if needed. This depth allowed Brighton to rotate without losing quality, something Barnsley could not match.
The Seagulls’ attacking trio – D Gómez, H Howell and Y Ayari – operated with freedom, constantly interchanging positions. D Gómez’s four‑goal performance highlighted his knack for finding space in tight areas and finishing with both feet. Meanwhile, the full‑backs pushed high, delivering crosses that kept the Barnsley centre‑backs under pressure.
Barnsley attempted to respond with a series of substitutions after the 60th minute. A Phillips replaced D Keillor‑Dunn, while T Watson, C Barratt and J Earl entered later in hopes of sparking a comeback. The changes, however, came too late; the defensive line remained porous, and the midfield could not regain control.
Referee Tom Reeves kept the game flowing, only issuing a handful of cautions. Fourth official Alex Chilowicz oversaw the procedural side, ensuring a smooth match despite the one‑sided scoreline.
The win not only propels Brighton further in the Carabao Cup but also sends a message to other clubs about their attacking depth. With Brighton 6-0 Barnsley on the scoreboard, the Seagulls can look ahead to tougher opposition with confidence in their squad rotation and fire‑power.
For Barnsley, the heavy defeat raises questions about defensive organization and the ability to compete against higher‑tier opponents. The coaching staff will need to analyse what went wrong, especially in handling high‑pressing teams that exploit spaces quickly.
Overall, the night at Oakwell was a masterclass in cup football for Brighton. Their ability to blend experienced heads with youthful energy, all while keeping a clear tactical plan, makes them a serious contender for the trophy.
