A Second Half To Remember
Two goals up at half-time, Tottenham capitulated to a brilliant Brighton second-half display, Danny Welbeck nodding the winner.
Brighton completed a remarkable comeback victory over Tottenham to continue their unbeaten home start to the Premier League season.
Fabian Hurzeler’s hosts had appeared bound for defeat after Spurs seized control of the contest with two first-half goals, but roared back after the interval to strike thrice in 20 minutes and swing the game their way. Danny Welbeck headed home to complete the turnaround after Yankuba Minteh and Georginio Rutter had restored Brighton to level pegging. It had threatened to be another tough day for Hurzeler’s side after yet more defensive lapses allowed Brennan Johnson and James Maddison to pounce, but a stirring turnaround lifts them above their opponents and into the top six.
Spurs' Collapse Exposed Their Main Flaw
Johnson’s goal meant the Welshman had scored in six successive games but Ange Postecoglou sorely missed absent captain Son Heung-min as his side collapsed. The Australian will have plenty to chew over during the international break as he looks to restore order.
The way Tottenham let a 2-0 lead slip at Brighton to go 3-2 down was comical. It all summed up why Ange Postecoglou’s idealism won’t get them much further. Spurs were well on top in the first half, creating so many chances, but you always felt like they would let Brighton back in the game. And they did more than that. The excellent Mitoma was creating problems in the first half but the Seagulls weren’t clinical. They smelt fear as soon as their first goal went in early in the second half and never looked back. Tottenham did not turn up for the second half and thought the game was won when Maddison’s goal went in to make it 2-0 before the break. Postecoglou’s side created chances galore in the first half with quick passing forward from midfield. They stopped doing that in the second half and Bentancur was hooked off as he was totally overrun as the lone midfield holding player with Maddison and Kulusevski either side of him. Tottenham’s balance was totally off in the second half and even if you want to be an open, entertaining and attacking team at all times, you have to change things up and shut up shop to hold on to a 2-0 lead and be professional to see it out. Tottenham believed they had won this game at half time and that just cannot happen. Spurs’ collapse exposed their main flaw once again as Postecoglou stuck with their ridiculous high-line and the full backs Porro and Udogie were left exposed and run ragged by Mitoma and Minteh. Spurs aren’t capable of controlling a game and until they can defend properly, they will not take the next step into the Champions League.
A Sensational Second-Half Comeback
Brighton staged a phenomenal second-half comeback, as they came from two goals down to win 3-2 after second-half goals from Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck.
BRIGHTON — A truly sensational comeback saw Brighton win 3-2 against Tottenham, as the Seagulls trailed 2-0 at half time but made the most of an embarrassing implosion from Spurs.
It is the first time Brighton have trailed a Premier League game by two goals at half time and come back to win. Seagulls fans couldn’t believe it as the Amex erupted at the final whistle after a remarkable game of two halves.
Brighton's Second Half Masterclass
Goals from Brennan Johnson and James Maddison put Tottenham in a great position at the break but Brighton scored early in the second half through Yankuba Minteh and never looked back.
Georginio Rutter made it 2-2 then Danny Welbeck scored the winner as Brighton held on for the win with ease and Ange Postecoglou looked totally stunned on the sidelines.
A 'Worst Defeat' for Tottenham
Fabian Hurzeler spoke to the BBC: “My team deserved to win, they worked hard and focused on the things they could control. I think Tottenham always have a great start. They play with intensity and we were not ready for that. We also created chances but defensively we have to improve.
“We focused on the positive things, the second important thing was to win the duels to build self-confidence. The players worked hard to gain flow and they used it.”
Ange Postecolglou spoke to the BBC: “Fair to say that the second half was unacceptable and we paid a price for that. We probably should have put it to bed in the first half. What we did in that second half is unacceptable and we got what we deserved.
“Maybe we just thought we’d roll out there and play well again and that’s not how it works and we paid for it. We’ve conceded before but it is how you react and our reaction wasn’t what it should be. It’s a bad day for us and when it’s a bad day the responsibility falls at my feet.”
More Ange via Sky: “Worst defeat since I’ve been here. Unacceptable second half. Nowhere near where we should be. We got carried away with how were were going.We kind of accepted our fate and it is hard to understand as we’ve not done that while I’ve been here. We paid the price.
“The problem is we are travelling along too smoothly, football and life will trip you up if you get too far ahead of yourself. There is no message. It is a terrible loss for us - as bad as it gets. Only one way to fix it and that’s my responsibility.
What's Next for Both Sides?
Brighton head to Newcastle on Saturday, October 19, while Tottenham host West Ham on the same day.
Here’s the table after the weekend of Premier League action.
