Spurs count cost after Brighton draw leaves them in drop zone

AFP , Saturday 18 Apr 2026

Roberto De Zerbi has five games to save Tottenham from the unthinkable nightmare of relegation from the Premier League after his first home game at the helm ended in a costly 2-2 draw against Brighton.

London
Tottenham Hotspur's Spanish defender #23 Pedro Porro reacts on the final whistle in the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. AFP

 

The London club took the lead through Pedro Porro but were pegged back by a Kaoru Mitoma wonder goal on the stroke of half-time.

Both teams had chances after the break but the impressive Xavi Simons put the home side back in front with a dazzling strike in the 77th minute as the stadium erupted.

Long-suffering Tottenham fans dared to believe their team could hold out for a first league win since December but their hopes were cruelly dashed deep into stoppage time when Georginio Rutter drilled home.

The draw left Spurs 18th in the Premier League, a point from safety.

West Ham, in 17th spot, and Nottingham Forest, one place higher, are both in action over the next two days.

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