Brighton up to second amid VAR drama in draw with luckless Saints

Kaoru Mitoma was on target as Brighton edged up to second place in the Premier League table but it was ultimately a frustrating evening for Fabian Hurzeler’s men as rock-bottom Southampton earned a 1-1 draw at Amex Stadium.

The Seagulls offered the greater goal threat throughout the first half with Georginio Rutter thumping the post before Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring with a flying header from Tariq Lamptey’s cross on 29 minutes.

The visitors grew in confidence following the restart and punished a subdued Brighton when Flynn Downes rifled home a loose ball just shy of the hour. Russell Martin’s side thought they had completed the comeback 23 minutes from time, but Cameron Archer’s goal was harshly ruled out for offside following a lengthy VAR check.

The result means The Seagulls nudge above Manchester City into second place, level on points, but having played a game more than their rivals in and around the top four.

Southampton remain bottom but avoid defeat for just the third time this season. Next up, The Saints host Chelsea on Wednesday night while Brighton visit Fulham on Thursday.

This was a morale-boosting result for Southampton as they claimed their first point on the road.

It could have been even better for Russell’s men too had VAR not ruled Adam Armstrong’s attempt to meet Ryan Fraser’s cross as sufficient for him to be deemed offside prior to Archer firing in what would have been a winning goal at the far post.

The draw does little to affect The Saints’ current position at the foot of the table, but earning a positive outcome against a high-flying side who remain unbeaten on home turf will enhance belief that the St Mary’s side can find a way to kick-start a push for survival.

As for Brighton, the table will make for fine reading for now, but it will feel very much like an opportunity missed to move clear in second spot ahead of the rest of the weekend’s action.

Tyler Dibling (Southampton). The Saints star was a real outlet, particularly in the second half. Carried the ball with a series of excellent dribbles to help create dangerous moments on the break and won several fouls to earn his teammates a breather during spells of Brighton pressure.

BRIGHTON: Verbruggen 7, Lamptey 7, Igor 7, van Hecke 7, Estupinan 7, Ayari 7, O’Riley 7, Rutter 7, Joao Pedro 6, Mitoma 7, Welbeck 6. Subs: Dunk 6, Adingra 6, Wieffer 6, Minteh 6, Ferguson 5.

SOUTHAMPTON: Lumley 7, Sugawara 7, Stephens 7, Harwood-Bellis 7, Walker-Peters 6, Dibling 8, Downes 7, Fernandes 6, Manning 7, Archer 6, Armstrong 6. Subs: Fraser 7, Aribo 7, Sulemana 6, Brereton Diaz n/a.

16’ – BRIGHTON CHANCE! Rutter cuts in from the right and unleashes a stinging strike that thuds against the far post.

29’ – GOAL! – Brighton 1-0 Southampton: (Mitoma). The hosts make the breakthrough as Mitoma meets Lamptey’s bouncing cross with a thumping header.

59’ – GOAL! – Brighton 1-1 Southampton: (Downes). The visitors are level! Manning and Armstrong cause chaos on the left side of the Brighton area with the latter’s blocked shot falling for Downes to rifle a thunderous effort home from 10 yards out.

67’ – SOUTHAMPTON GOAL CHALKED OFF! Archer arrives at the back stick to volley home Fraser’s cross from the left. VAR checks for FIVE minutes. It’s deemed Archer was onside but Armstrong interfered as he attacked the ball at the near post. Seems harsh.