Georginio Rutter struck deep in added time to extend Tottenham Hotspur’s wait for a first Premier League win of 2026, while keeping the North London side in the bottom three with five games left to play.
In Roberto De Zerbi’s first home match since becoming head coach, Spurs thought they had secured a first league win in 111 days thanks to Xavi Simons’ 77th-minute stunner.
But deep in added time Rutter capitalised on an error from Kevin Danso to drill home an equaliser that keeps Albion’s hopes of European football alive.
Pedro Porro’s leaping header, after meeting Simons’ cross, had put Spurs in front six minutes before the break but that initial lead was negated by Kaoru Mitoma’s stunning volley.
And while that was immediately being talked up as a goal of the season contender, Simons’ effort to put Spurs 2-1 up was of a similar quality. Lucas Bergvall, just on as a substitute, nicked possession after Brighton were too casual in playing the ball out from the back. It was then worked to Simons, who shifted onto his right and drilled a beauty into the right side of Bart Verbruggen’s net.
However just as it looked like Spurs were going to close the victory out, Danso was dispossessed by Jan Paul Van Hecke. He found Rutter and he found the roof of the net.
Relive the updates from the Premier League with our live blog below:
Brighton’s stoppage-time equaliser brings heartbreak for Spurs and keeps them in relegation zone
Tottenham remain in the Premier League relegation zone after they were stunned by a stoppage-time leveller from Brighton substitute Georginio Rutter during a pulsating 2-2 draw in Roberto De Zerbi’s home debut.
Spurs looked set to end a 15-match winless in the top-flight when Xavi Simons produced a superb 77th-minute strike to spark wild celebrations.
Xavi’s fine effort followed up his assist for Pedro Porro’s opener after 39 minutes, which was cancelled out by Kaoru Mitoma in first-half stoppage-time.
However, scenes of jubilation turned to disbelief when Kevin Danso lost possession in the fifth minute of time added on and Rutter curled home to ensure the spoils were shared.
FULL-TIME! Spurs 2-2 Brighton
And that’s full-time. The wait for a Spurs win goes on despite an improved showing.
Spurs 2-2 Brighton
90+8’ – Well, hold on, Gray has a sight of goal… but he scuffs it straight at Verbruggen.
Spurs 2-2 Brighton
90+7’ – We’re into the final minute and Spurs seem completely deflated.
Spurs 2-2 Brighton
90+6’ – Danso will squirm when he watches that back. He takes an extra touch instead of hoofing clear, allowing Van Hecke to intercept in the box. He squares to Rutter and the substitute drives high into Kinsky’s net. The Spurs players look distraught.
GOAL! Spurs 2-2 Brighton (Rutter)
90+5’ – But now Brighton are level thanks to substitute Rutter.
Spurs 2-1 Brighton
90+4’ – Brighton are almost level… a deep cross is headed on to Kadioglu at the back post but he is unable to imitate Mitoma and sends his volley into the side netting. A major sigh of relief ripples through the home seats.
Spurs 2-1 Brighton
90+2’ – Solanke kills some precious seconds with a bit of excellent hold-up play.
Spurs 2-1 Brighton
89’ – Simons, following treatment, is continuing but barely able to run. And he has eight added minutes to contend with.
Spurs 2-1 Brighton
86’ – Nervy moments now as Brighton attack with Simons down in the home penalty area with a lower leg injury. He looks in agony but Spurs have made all their substitutions. A series of crosses are dealt with successfully but it looks like De Zerbi may need to guide his team through the final minutes with only 10 men.
