Tottenham played out a heartbreaking 2-2 draw against Brighton and are set to remain in the Premier League relegation zone for at least another week.
As they looked to get their first domestic win in 2026, it was vital that Tottenham started well at home, and so they did on Saturday.
They pushed Brighton and created some decent opportunities and won some set pieces. They got away with a lucky escape after Micky van de Ven accidentally rolled the ball into his own net, but it hit the post.
However, soon after, Spurs scored via Pedro Porro (39’), who got on the end of an exceptional looped pass from Xavi Simons.
The Dutchman got on the end of another brilliant chance just minutes later, but only hit the post when he should have scored. The hosts looked bright, but conceded just before the half-time as Kaoru Mitoma (45+3’) finished brilliantly via a volley.
The second half started slowly, with Brighton dominating, but Tottenham grew into the game. Simons then scored a wonderful goal from outside the box in the 77th minute. The hosts managed the game largely well after that and appeared to be heading for a win.
However, a mistake from Kevin Danso allowed Brighton to equalize through Georginio Rutter in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Spurs got a glorious chance to score the winner two minutes later, but Archie Gray’s shot was meek and easily saved by Bart Verbruggen.
Tottenham Player Ratings against Brighton
Antonin Kinsky – 7/10
His short-range passing was assured, but he could have done better in terms of his long-range passing.
Kevin Danso – 5.5/10
It was largely a solid performance from Danso. However, he made a terrible mistake, which led to Brighton’s second equalizer, taking away the much-needed win from Tottenham.
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Micky van de Ven – 6/10
A mixed bag from the Dutchman, who donned the captain’s armband in Cristian Romero’s absence. He made a couple of excellent clearances and utilized his speed well. However, he was also caught out defensively a handful of times.
Destiny Udogie – 6/10
The Italian left-back was given the license to run forward from the left wing, and so he did. He delivered some good crosses & provided an attacking output. Defensively, Udogie struggled a bit due to his attacking threat, as he left space open behind him.
Pedro Porro – 7.5/10
Arguably should have done better for Mitoma’s goal. However, it was perhaps his only fault of the night. He was brilliant, pushing the team forward, putting in some excellent diagonal balls, and scoring the opening goal.
Conor Gallagher – 5.5/10
It was perhaps his best performance in a Tottenham shirt, but it was still not much in that. Gallagher was given a free role, and you could see him running everywhere. However, he couldn’t really make an impact in or out of possession.
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Yves Bissouma – 7/10
A really good return to action for Bissouma. The midfielder was everywhere on the left-hand side for Tottenham and often covered for Udogie when he went forward. He also sussed out danger well for most parts.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 8/10
Another really good performance from the returning midfielder for Spurs on the night. When fit, he is arguably the best fit for Roberto De Zerbi’s system, and he showed it on the night.
Bentancur made some good interceptions, covered for his teammates, and brought calmness in possession that Spurs have been missing since his injury.
Xavi Simons – 9/10
He showed why Spurs fans have been urging every manager to start him consistently. Xavi Simons scored an incredible goal, provided an exceptional assist for Porro’s goal, and should have scored another as well. He drove Tottenham forward regularly and was involved in most of their attacks.
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Dominic Solanke – 7/10
Arguably the English striker’s best performance for Tottenham in a long time. Was involved in most of the attacks, showed decent passing and link-up play, and his pressing was on point as well.
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Randal Kolo Muani – 6/10
He didn’t really make much of an impact. Just like Gallagher, he ran hard, but couldn’t help much in either defense or attack.
Substitutes:
Joao Palhinha – 5.5/10
Just like most other Tottenham players, he couldn’t make any impact, especially after coming on after the goal.
Lucas Bergvall – 7/10
Provided a lot of energy when he came on. Won the ball really well, which led to Simons’ exceptional goal.
Djed Spence – 6/10
He came in at left-back and defended decently, especially towards the end of the game.
Mathys Tel – 6/10
Wasn’t able to get as involved in the game as he would like. However, he was neat and composed whenever he was called upon and also supported Porro well at the back.
Archie Gray – 6/10
He was largely good, as he often is. Gray continued Bissouma’s work in both defense and attack and made some good combinations to get Spurs out of trouble at times.
