Yankuba Minteh scored the only goal of the game in bizarre fashion as Brighton condemned Sunderland to a third straight home defeat in the Premier League.

The Gambia winger found the net from an incredibly tight angle in the 58th minute as his sliced cross from the byeline sneaked in past unsighted Black Cats goalkeeper Melker Ellborg at his near post.

Sunderland were furious play had been allowed to continue with midfielder Habib Diarra on the ground from the moment the initial corner was taken following a clash with Lewis Dunk.

But the video assistant referee (VAR) cleared that incident and, with Brighton defender Paul van Hecke - who had blocked Ellborg's view - deemed to be onside, the goal stood.

It proved the difference and a third success in four league games took Fabian Hurzeler's side to 40 points and above Sunderland on goal difference in 10th position.

It was also a first win on Wearside for the Seagulls since 1981, ending a nine-match run.

They had been the better side in a low-key first half in which Jack Hinshelwood passed up two glorious opportunities to open the scoring.

The first, a close-range effort from Minteh's teasing cross, was brilliantly saved by Ellborg, before a tame effort was more comfortably saved by the Swedish keeper after Danny Welbeck had teed him up.

In between those two efforts, Sunderland winger Chemsdine Talbi had a driven effort blocked on the line by Brighton skipper Dunk.

The hosts thought they had taken the lead when Chris Rigg found the bottom corner.

However, what would have been the 18-year-old's first top-flight goal was ruled out as Omar Alderete, who headed the ball into his path, was deemed offside when the ball was lofted forward by Trai Hume.

Striker Brian Brobbey then smashed over the bar after Brighton were caught in possession trying to play out from the back - a miss that proved costly as the visitors went in front soon after.

While Regis le Bris' pushed for an equaliser, they struggled to create any clear chances and Diego Gomez missed the opportunity to make things more comfortable for the Seagulls after a swift counter-attack.

Having been unbeaten at home until February, it is now three losses on the spin at the Stadium of Light for Sunderland in a blow to their hopes of qualifying for Europe.

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann told BBC Sport: "Minteh's goal for Brighton was an interesting situation. On first view you would be forgiven for thinking that Van Hecke may have been in an offside position, however he was in fact played onside by Granit Xhaka, who challenged Minteh as he played the ball.

"Xhaka's leg was just on the field of play at the moment Minteh touched the ball. It's interesting to note, however, that under the laws of the game, even if Xhaka had have been completely over the goalline he is still deemed to be on the goalline for that phase of play.

"An excellent decision given 'live' - without the use for VAR - by assistant referee Blake Antrobus."

Having spent the vast majority of his Brighton career playing on the right wing, Minteh was tasked with filling in on the left in Kaoru Mitoma's absence.

While his goal came from that more familiar side - albeit in unusual circumstances - the 21-year-old had already made quite an impression in the game.

After a drab opening, it was his pinpoint cross that should have been converted by Hinshelwood.

A left-footer playing on the left is something of a throwback, but Minteh showed it still has its benefits as he was able to beat his man on the outside and put a number of dangerous balls into the box.

Having wriggled his way past Xhaka to somewhat fortuitously score his second league goal of the season - and first since September - the former Newcastle player also created their best chance to double the lead.

Another cross from the left found Mats Wieffer, who laid it off to Gomez but the winger blazed over the bar.

Minteh's afternoon came to an abrupt end, though, when he was substituted 14 minutes from time after getting himself booked and risking a second with a foul moments later.

His work was done, though, and Brighton will hope the talented winger can kick on as they try to maintain their fine recent form.

Sunderland have undoubtedly exceeded pre-season expectations, at least from those outside the club, so far this term, but the past month has been a struggle.

Their unbeaten home record was ended by Liverpool in February and subsequent losses to Fulham and now Brighton suggest that feeling of invincibility on home soil has vanished.

A rare away win at Leeds at the start of the month is looking more important by the day, ensuring they remain clear of a relegation battle.

But one win in six league games and an embarrassing FA Cup exit to League One strugglers Port Vale does not look like the basis for a European charge.

Le Bris will have been frustrated to see a strong start to the second period fade away and even more disappointed by his side's failure to create any chances of note after going behind.

With a long season approaching its final stretch, Sunderland need something to help fire them towards a finish line with momentum - a trip to fierce rivals Newcastle next weekend might just provide that.

Brighton are back in action on Saturday, 21 March, when they host Liverpool in the Premier League's early kick-off (12:30 GMT).

Meanwhile, Sunderland travel to St James' Park to play Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday, 22 March (12:00 GMT).