Two goals in two minutes early in the second-half helped Brighton to a valuable point against Tottenham Hotspur at the Amex Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Harry Kane scored only minutes into the second-period claimed the lead for Mauricio Pochettino’s men. However, Pascal Groß equalised from the spot only a minute later as the Seagulls staged a wonderful performance to edge closer to Premier League safety.
Both sides feel their way into the game
Lewis Dunk threatened Tottenham from the first set-piece as he met the ball with a powerful header. Hugo Lloris collected though, albeit from the second attempt after fumbling.
Anthony Knockaert then did well to wriggle away from Victor Wanyama and sent a shot towards goal from range. The ball took a wicked deflection but the Tottenham keeper saved well.
Heung-Min Son did well to get one-on-one with Brighton defender Bruno to then force a good stop out of Mat Ryan in the home net.
Brighton continue bright start but Spurs end the first-half strong
The Seagulls were the most threatening throughout the opening 45 minutes and continued to create opportunities. Gaeten Bong sent a powerful drive towards goal but Lloris held well. Pascal Groß then showed great skill to cross to Glenn Murray. The Englishman produced a wonderful flick to divert the ball goalwards but Tottenham cleared.
Lucas Moura then drew the best out of the Brighton goalkeeper with a speculative effort from distance. He reacted well though to tip the ball over the bar.
Harry Kane had an excellent chance from a free-kick in the closing moments of the first-half but he slipped at the crucial moment with the ball trickling towards the goalkeeper. Good combination play between the England striker and Son saw the latter force Ryan into an excellent low save as the first half drew to a close.
Two goals in as many minutes increases the volume at the Amex
Despite their frustrations, it did not take long for Tottenham to claim the lead through Kane after the restart. Following slack play in the Brighton defence, Son did well to cross to the England striker, who duly dispatched the ball into the net.
However, the hosts immediately had the chance to equalise as Jose Izquierdo was fouled in the box by Serge Aurier. Groß stepped up to take the spot-kick and just squeezed the ball past Lloris to equalise.
Christian Erisken almost teased Shane Duffy into netting an own goal as the defender stretched out a leg to halt the Dane’s low shot. The ball fizzed just inches wide of the post to the relief of the Brighton man.
Substitute Erik Lamela had a chance in closing minutes to win the game for Tottenham but he could only put his shot straight into the arms of Ryan as Brighton secured a fantastic draw.
Final Thoughts
Brighton well and truly earned their point against Spurs with a wonderful defensive performance following Pascal Groß’ equaliser from the penalty spot. The Seagulls also have to be given credit for hitting back immediately after Harry Kane’s opener.
They now sit 13th in the Premier League table on 36 points, eight points clear of the drop zone with only four games of the season left to play.
Elsewhere, Pochettino will be disappointed that Spurs were not able to create more clear-cut chances. Whilst Mat Ryan was forced into a handful of clever saves, Tottenham were not at their best and a victory at the Amex would probably have flattered them. They remain in fourth, eight points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea.
Match Report
Brighton & Hove Albion: Ryan (7); Bruno (7), Dunk (6), Duffy (7), Bong (6); Kayal (6), Stephens (6), Groß (8); Izquierdo (7) (March (N/A), 77′), Knockaert (7), Murray (6) (Ulloa (6), 74′).
Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris (6); Aurier (5), Alderweireld (6), Vertonghen (6), Davies (6); Sissoko (6) (Dembele (6), 74′), Wanyama (7); Moura (6) (Lamela (7), 74′), Eriksen (6), Son (6); Kane (7) (Llorente (N/A), 85′).
Goals: Kane (48′), Groß (50′)
Referee: Kevin Friend
Yellow Cards: Dunk (11′)
Red Cards: N/A
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