Draw with Spurs put Brighton in safe zone

Brighton edged closer to Premier League safety with a hard-earned point against a much-changed Tottenham side. The teams drew 1-1.

Harry Kane’s 26th league goal of the season, following Gaetan Bong’s error, put Spurs in sight of an 11th away win.

But Brighton were behind for just two minutes, Pascal Gross levelling with an excellent penalty after Serge Aurier had caught Jose Izquierdo.

The Seagulls are without a win in six games but are eight points above the relegation zone with four games left.

Spurs almost won it through an own goal when Shane Duffy deflected Christian Eriksen’s cross a fraction wide.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino had one eye on Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United, a competition which could earn Tottenham a first trophy since 2008, as he made six changes to his side. Dele Alli and Davinson Sanchez were rested while Toby Alderweireld, who has failed to agree a new contract, was drafted in for his first Premier League appearance since October.

They remain fourth in the table, two points behind third-placed Liverpool and eight ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea, but are now without a win in two league games having gone 14 unbeaten before last weekend’s 3-1 home defeat to Manchester City. “Saturday was so tough mentally and physically,” Pochettino told BBC Sport afterwards. “The team wasn’t fresh enough. That is why we tried to add some fresh legs. We’re disappointed because the idea was to win. “At the same time we have one point more and the gap with Chelsea is eight points.”BBC Sports

Spurs lacked their usual zip as their fringe players