Hughton happy with Gulls’ huge point
Brighton boosted their Premier League survival bid by coming from behind to claim a 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham last night.
Spurs’ multiple changes appeared inconsequential when Harry Kane calmly opened the scoring in the 48th minute after calamitous defending allowed Son Heung-min to burst into the box.
Spurs’ lead lasted just over two minutes, though, as Serge Aurier was penalised for a clumsy challenge on Jose Izquierdo and Gross tucked away the spot-kick.
Brighton boss Chris Hughton was pleased the decision to change his penalty taker paid dividends as his team moved eight points clear of the relegation zone.
Albion topscorer Glenn Murray has missed two costly spot-kicks and he stood aside to allow German midfielder Gross to convert from 18 yards. Hughton said: “I just felt that that change might do us a favour. When they go one up at that stage, most people probably expected Tottenham to go on and get a second and a third. The response was quick and that helped the confidence in the team. “We’re well worthy of the draw that we got.”
Asked if the Seagulls are now safe, Hughton added: “No and only because I can’t afford to think that way. Probably the most important thing o now is making sure that we can try and put in the same type of effort and the same type of performance in these last four games.”
Asked if his starting XI was influenced by Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United, Spurs boss Pochettino replied: “No, no, no. I was thinking today and trying to win.”