Spurs Save the Day: Van Hecke Own Goal Completes Comeback
Tottenham showed their resilience on the south coast, recovering from a nightmare start to earn a 2–2 draw against Brighton. An early storm from the hosts left Spurs chasing shadows, but a first-half strike from Richarlison and a late own goal by Jan Paul van Hecke turned the tide.
Brighton race ahead
The Amex was rocking when Yankuba Minteh opened the scoring, slotting home with confidence to give Brighton the lead. Moments later, Yasin Ayari doubled the advantage, finishing off a slick move that left Tottenham’s defence scrambling.
Inside half an hour, Spurs were staring at another painful away day. Brighton looked sharp, aggressive, and ready to repeat last season’s comeback victory over the same opponent.
Richarlison brings hope
Just before half-time, Tottenham finally found a spark. Richarlison pounced inside the box to cut the deficit and give his side a lifeline. That goal changed the mood completely, reminding Spurs of the power of staying patient and persistent.
Second-half pressure
After the break, Tottenham pushed hard for an equaliser. Substitute Xavi Simons was lively, forcing a fine save from Bart Verbruggen before dragging a shot just wide minutes later. Brighton, meanwhile, tried to hold their ground but gradually dropped deeper under constant Spurs pressure.
The late twist
The breakthrough finally came in the 82nd minute. Mohammed Kudus whipped in a dangerous cross that Van Hecke could only turn into his own net, bringing Tottenham level. It was cruel for the defender but relief for the visitors, who had been knocking on the door.
Kudus nearly snatched all three points in stoppage time with a fierce effort, but the draw was sealed.
What it means
The point lifts Spurs above Arsenal into second place in the Premier League table, though their north London rivals still have a game in hand against Manchester City. Brighton, despite losing their two-goal lead, showed once again they can trouble any opponent, but will regret letting victory slip away.
Final verdict: Brighton’s fast start looked decisive, but Tottenham’s fightback proved enough to steal a point in an entertaining clash at the Amex.
