Brighton’s European Aspirations Dented Following Stalemate with Relegation-Struggling Leicester

Brighton squandered their lead on two occasions against Leicester City, who managed to halt a dismal streak of nine straight defeats by securing a 2-2 draw at the AMEX Stadium.

With relegation looming large for Leicester, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side approached the match as if they were already defeated. Defensive blunders allowed Brighton several chances early on.

Initially, Danny Welbeck failed to make solid contact with the ball, offering Mads Hermansen a comfortable save. Following that, Yankuba Minteh opted for a flamboyant flick rather than a straightforward finish, resulting in the ball drifting wide.

The Seagulls continued to press, with Simon Adingra next in line to attempt to break the deadlock. He curled a shot just inches wide before Hermansen made a save from his follow-up.

Brighton finally secured a chance to take the lead on the half-hour mark when Pervis Estupinan’s cross was handled by Conor Coady in the area.

A lengthy VAR review ensued before a penalty was awarded, with multiple views of the pitchside monitor, and Joao Pedro calmly converted the spot-kick.

Leicester found an unexpected path back into the match just before half-time, thanks to Lewis Dunk losing possession at the halfway line, allowing the Foxes to counter.

The ball arrived at Stephy Mavididi, whose first shot was blocked, but the rebound struck Bart Verbruggen and went in. Matt O’Riley had two chances to restore Brighton’s lead before the break—firstly, his header was saved, and then he struck the post.

Fabian Hurzeler’s squad emerged after the interval with renewed determination, looking to regain their advantage. O’Riley was again denied his second league goal of the season as Hermansen made yet another save.

Nonetheless, O’Riley won a penalty for his side after Luke Thomas pulled his shirt, leading to another VAR review and a second penalty awarded in the match.

Regardless of how questionable it may have been, Joao Pedro seized the opportunity to double his tally with a successful penalty.

Minteh should have extended the advantage on the hour mark, but despite being unmarked in the area, he pulled his shot wide.

Van Nistelrooy turned to his bench, and Patson Daka made an immediate impression, his attempt thwarted by a solid save from Verbruggen.

Leicester equalised yet again when Caleb Okoli found space in the box from a set piece, heading home following Bilal El Khannouss’s free-kick.

While the draw may only postpone relegation for another week, the Foxes’ manager will take satisfaction from his team’s performance. In contrast, Brighton will view this as a missed opportunity to close the gap on the European spots.

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