Brighton dug deep to secure a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon to pile more pressure on the relegation-battling outfit.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side took a deserved lead after 39 minutes when Pedro Porro wandered into the Seagulls’ penalty area unmarked and nodded into an empty net after Bart Verbruggen looked to punch the initial cross away.
But a stunning strike from Kaoru Mitoma on the stroke of half-time sent Fabian Hurzeler’s side into the interval with hope, with the Japan international meeting Pascal Gross’ cross with a fierce left-footed volley into the roof of the net.
Another wonderous strike looked to have settled the contest after 77 minutes, though this time from Xavi Simons. The Dutchman whipped a sensational strike into the top corner from 25 yards out after Jan Paul van Hecke was dispossessed by Lucas Bergvall.
However, it wasn’t to be for Spurs, and their winless run continued after a last-gasp equaliser from substitute Georginio Rutter. Van Hecke managed to right the wrongs of his earlier mistake by picking the pocket of Kevin Danso deep inside the Tottenham penalty area, before teeing up his Frenchman to lash home.
The Brighton Base reflects on how Hurzeler’s side fared at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Bart Verbruggen – 6
The Dutchman was uncharacteristically erratic when attempting to meet Simons’ cross for Porro’s opener. He produced a fine stop to deny the Spaniard just minutes later to redeem himself. Made another good stop to deny Joao Palhinha later, though knew very little about it.
Mats Wieffer – 5
Simons had a field day down the left up against his international teammate. Wieffer simply could not get to grips with the tricky winger, who was excellent on the day. Booked after a series of fouls.
Jan Paul van Hecke – 6
Like Verbruggen, the positives neutralise the negatives. He struggled up against Dominic Solanke for the most part, though questions have to be asked about how the duo were left so isolated at times. Should have released his pass far sooner before Simons’ stunner, but made up for the error with a late assist.
Olivier Boscagli – 6
Met the mark defensively, but his progressive passing lacked its usual precision. Lashed at several long balls and left Van Hecke to battle Solanke single-handedly when a degree of support was required.
Ferdi Kadioglu – 5
Plenty of energy without anything to truly show for it. A number of Spurs players, namely Conor Gallagher and Porro, were able to run off him with relative ease. His attacking runs lacked conviction, and thus teammates often opted for other routes to goal.
Yasin Ayari – 6 (Kostoulas, 82’)
Went about his business well but wasn’t able to dictate the tempo of the contest as he would have hoped, despite being deployed as a No. 6 and therefore having the opportunity to show for the ball consistently.
Pascal Gross – 7
The German is starting to find some creative rhythm. Picked out Danny Welbeck with a perfectly weighted set-piece before his long, sweeping cross teed up Mitoma for the initial equaliser. Progressively dropped deeper and deeper to look to influence play, with the movement in front of him lacking.
Jack Hinshelwood – 5 (O’Riley, 75’)
Just like at Burnley, the Englishman failed to make an impact. Steered a headed pass across the face of the Spurs goal to force a remarkably fortunate clearance from Micky van de Ven in the first half, but that was his only notable contribution on the day.
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Diego Gomez – 6 (Mitoma, 20’)
His afternoon came to an unfortunate ending after just 20 minutes. Landed awkwardly after challenging for a header, leaving his World Cup hopes in the balance.
Yankuba Minteh – 6
A typical afternoon from the winger. Bundles of energy, an impressive defensive work rate, but his general attacking play failing to meet the mark. The Gambian international registered a disappointing a 52% passing accuracy, and with just three of his 12 crosses finding a teammate, his struggles in possession came to the fore.
Danny Welbeck – 5 (Rutter, 75’)
It goes without saying that the veteran’s influence is not just with the ball at his feet. Nevertheless, the ex-Arsenal star struggled to make himself available consistently, enjoying just 16 touches of the ball against his former fierce rivals. Capable of far more.
Substitutes
Kaoru Mitoma – 6 (De Cuyper, 75’)
In what was a running theme on the afternoon, the winger’s excellent volley made up for his rare defensive error prior. The Japanese international failed to track Porro into the penalty area, allowing him to stride in front of Verbruggen easily. Withdrawn early with an injury, which will be a concern for his national team ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
Georginio Rutter – 7
Took his goal well in what may be a morale-boosting moment for the Frenchman, who has lacked confidence in front of goal previously.
Maxim De Cuyper – 6
Progressed play forwards well and made a handful of defensive contributions late on too.
Matt O’Riley – 6
A rare late cameo from the playmaker. Kept his play neat and tidy in the Seagulls’ push for an equaliser.
Charalampos Kostoulas – N/A