Seagulls’ early sting and late resolve secure a hard-fought point against Spurs

Brighton struck with precision and stood firm to claim a 2-2 draw against Tottenham at the Amex. Yankuba Minteh’s electric break and Yasin Ayari’s thumping drive had the Seagulls two up inside 31 minutes, before Richarlison’s reply on the cusp of half-time and a late Jan Paul van Hecke own goal pegged them back.

Second best for stretches in possession, Brighton’s plan was nonetheless clear and effective: concede territory, pounce on transitions, and make the most of the moments. They were eight minutes away from another eye-catching home win when misfortune struck, yet they steadied to protect a point and extend an unbeaten run at the Amex that already includes victory over Manchester City.

Clinical counter-punching puts Brighton in command

Spurs’ high line left space to exploit and Minteh seized it ruthlessly, racing clear to round Guglielmo Vicario for the opener. It validated the approach of allowing Tottenham the ball and waiting for the right channel to burst into.

Ayari doubled the advantage on 31 minutes, his powerful strike evading Vicario’s partial touch. With minimal build-up but maximum incision, Brighton were two goals to the good against the run of play.

Momentum shifts, but the Seagulls keep their shape

Tottenham pulled one back just before the interval when Richarlison stopped a Mohammed Kudus effort and then tucked in. The goal tilted the contest, inviting waves of visiting pressure after the restart.

Spurs forced the issue in the second half yet their cutting edge deserted them, with Richarlison and substitute Xavi Simons unable to finish promising openings. Brighton’s organisation and resolve limited the damage deep into the final stages.

A cruel deflection, then a defiant finish

The equaliser arrived eight minutes from time in the harshest fashion. Kudus’ cross zipped across the six-yard box and Van Hecke, under duress, turned into his own net to make it 2-2.

From there Spurs surged for a winner, but Brighton calmed themselves and saw out the closing minutes. Given the pattern of play, the hosts’ point was earned by a blend of opportunism and resilience that typified their display.

Brighton’s takeaways and what comes next

This was a near-perfect demonstration of Brighton’s counter-attacking blueprint, unsettling opponents expected to compete near the top by striking quickly and staying compact. It so nearly delivered all three points.

The unbeaten home run continues, and focus now moves to a Carabao Cup tie at League One Barnsley on Tuesday, 23 September (19:45 BST) before a demanding Premier League trip to Chelsea. If the Seagulls keep marrying efficiency with resolve, more headline results will follow.