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Tottenham 2-1 Brighton: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Spurs Edge Past Determined Seagulls

Tottenham got revenge for their humiliating defeat to Brighton earlier in the season, narrowly edging a well-fought contest 2-1.

It was a fairly slow start from Spurs, struggling to breakthrough the visitor's back line, while the Seagulls looked threatening on the counter-attack and resolute in defence. But Spurs thought they had grabbed an early goal out of nothing, Harry Kane finishing Harry Winks' lofted through ball - only for it to be ruled out for offside by VAR.

The visitors then had the ball in the net, and this one would count. Pascal Gross' gorgeous free kick was emphatically headed home by Adam Webster, who gave Brighton a deserved half-time lead. Plenty of work for Spurs to do at the break.

It only took Spurs seven minutes to level after the break, the ball fortuitously falling to Kane who struck a fierce effort towards goal, and eventually scored from his own rebound. Perhaps lucky to have not seen at least one red card, Spurs continued with greater vigour after their equaliser, eventually taking the lead with 20 minutes left. Serge Aurier pulled the ball back to Dele Alli in the box, who superbly looped the ball over the keeper and in to the far corner.

That would end up being that, but Tottenham may feel slightly fortunate to have come away with all three points, while Brighton will feel somewhat hard done by after a spirited performance.

Tottenham

Key Talking Point

​Tottenham started with a back four which was capable of turning into a five - the formation used by Chelsea that so easily undid them last weekend - but it left Jose Mourinho's side with few numbers in midfield and, as a result, lacking in creativity bar the odd incisive long ball from a centre-half. A disallowed Kane goal didn't appear to help the hosts, who continually struggled to find any consistent rhythm or tempo within the match.

Eventually, Spurs were made to pay, and Brighton's lead didn't flatter them. Tottenham's defensive frailties once again exposed, with set-pieces in particular looking promising for the visitors and causing the Lilywhites all manner of difficulties. A sluggish and slow first half from Spurs drew too many similarities with their dismal defeat to Chelsea, well certainly for Mourinho's liking.

Spurs' quickfire leveller after the break brought Tottenham to life. While they had difficulty carving open Brighton with delicate and incisive passing football, the hosts bundled their way through their opponents, with the crowd finally getting up off their feet. Through sheer hard work and running, Spurs found themselves in control, but Brighton didn't make things easy for them..

Perhaps fortunate to have finished the game with ten men, Spurs just did enough to earn the three points. But, it was far from an assured performance, despite a better second 45 minutes from the hosts. It's the kind of game Mourinho will be glad is over, and Spurs take a step in the right direction in their top-four challenge.

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Gazzaniga (5); Aurier (6), Alderweireld (6), Sanchez (5), Vertonghen (6), Sessegnon (4); Sissoko (5), Winks (5), Moura (7*), Alli (6); Kane (7)

Substitutes: Lo Celso (6), Eriksen (6), Dier (5)

Star Player - While few shined for Spurs, Lucas Moura's determination and hard work really ignited Tottenham's second-half flame. He was a changed man after the break, running and fighting for every ball, as well as being involved in the equaliser.

Spurs fans may just wish he had a little more quality in the final third...

Brighton

Key Talking Point

​Brighton started really brightly, playing some lovely open football on the counter-attack. Concise and direct, the Seagulls were making the Spurs defensive line well aware of their presence, with two early Steven Alzate chances, and Aaron Mooy being able to orchestrate from the midfield.

Graham Potter had clearly learned a thing or two from the system Frank Lampard employed to stifle Tottenham last weekend, setting up with a five at the back that frustrated the hosts. And boy did it work. While it was a classic free kick that offered Brighton the first-half lead, they dominated the centre of the park and powered through Spurs on the break. The Seagulls sure didn't look like a team in any bother whatsoever. 

Brighton were unlucky to concede early in the second-half and persisted playing with bravery and quality. While they came unstuck in the second-half, Brighton should feel no shame over their defeat. They went toe-to-toe with Spurs for 90 minutes and, on another day, would have grabbed themselves a point.

However, Potter will be concerned. One of Brighton's difficulties this season has been picking up points during good performances, something that can be the difference between survival and relegation.

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Ryan (6); Schelotto (7), Webster (8), Duffy (7), Burn (7), Bernardo (6); Stephens (7), Mooy (8*), Gross (7), Alzate (6); Connolly (7)

Substitutes: Maupay (5), Trossard (5), Bissouma (5)

Star Player - Aaron Mooy was Brighton's standout performer. He provided a sophistication to the visitors on the counter-attack, finding himself involved in almost all of the Seagulls' attacking moves.

The Australian was neat and tidy in possession, and will feel aggrieved to find himself on the losing side given his stellar performance. 

Looking Ahead

Tottenham follow this one up with a trip to struggling Norwich in only two days time, while Brighton play host to fellow south coast side Bournemouth on Saturday.

Both sides then play on New Year's Day, Spurs visiting Southampton and Brighton hosting ​Chelsea.​


Source : 90min