Brighton's victory earned them the longest winter break of any Premier League club with Roberto De Zerbi’s side not back in action until January 22 against Wolves.
And Joao Pedro, whose late double avoided the need for a replay, was quick to praise comeback king Pervis Estupinan.
Since returning from six weeks out injured, the Ecuadorian has seemed intent on running his own goal-of-the-season competition.
The defender’s screamer against Tottenham on December 28 was matched on Saturday by another beauty when Championship side Stoke were leading 1-0.