Tottenham’s pursuit of Champions League football suffered a minor setback after they squandered the lead to draw 1-1 at Brighton.

Spurs had the chance to move 10 points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea in the battle for a top-four finish and they appeared on course to do so when Harry Kane broke the deadlock early in the second half.

However, Pascal Gross converted a penalty two minutes later to deny them victory and boost the home side’s hopes of Premier League survival.

(PA Graphic)

Tweet of the match

Star man – Lewis Dunk

Brighton & Hove Albion v Newcastle United – Premier League – AMEX Stadium
Lewis Dunk was a key player for Brighton (John Walton/PA)

Spurs, as expected, dominated possession at the Amex Stadium and Brighton had to defend resolutely to secure a precious point. Albion centre-back Dunk led by example and played a key role in securing the draw.

Moment of the match

Brighton were architects of their own downfall with some calamitous defending in the build up to Harry Kane’s opener but they drew level 143 seconds later. Albion winger Jose Izquierdo fell to the floor inside the area under a clumsy challenge from Serge Aurier and, after referee Kevin Friend pointed to the spot, Pascal Gross converted the penalty to restore parity.

View from the bench

With an eye on Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United, Mauricio Pochettino made six changes, including leaving Dele Alli, out of his squad. The significant rotation backfired slightly as Spurs missed the chance to move 10 points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea in the battle for Champions League qualification. Chris Hughton’s Brighton, meanwhile, still need points to ease their relegation fears going into a tricky run of fixtures and the draw was celebrated joyously by the home supporters.

Data point

Brighton and Hove Albion v Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League – AMEX Stadium
Tottenham’s Harry Kane scored again (John Walton/Empics)

Harry Kane has now scored against 26 of the 27 clubs he has faced in the Premier League, with the exception being Cardiff.

Ratings

Brighton: Mat Ryan 6 (out of 10) 6, Bruno 6, Lewis Dunk 7, Shane Duffy 7, Gaetan Bong 6, Dale Stephens 6, Beram Kayal 6, Anthony Knockaert 7, Pascal Gross 7, Jose Izquierdo 6, Glenn Murray 6. Subs: Leonardo Ulloa (on for Murray, 74) 5, Solly March (on for Izquierdo, 77) 5.

Tottenham: Hugo Lloris 6, Serge Aurier 6, Toby Alderweireld 6, Jan Vertonghen 7, Ben Davies 6, Victor Wanyama 6, Moussa Sissoko 5, Lucas Moura 6, Christian Eriksen 7, Lucas Moura 6, Harry Kane 7. Subs: Erik Lamela (on for Moura, 74) 5, Mousa Dembele (on for Sissoko, 74) 5, Fernando Llorente (on for Kane, 85) 5.

Who’s up next?

Burnley v Brighton (Premier League, April 28)

Manchester United v Tottenham (FA Cup semi-final, April 21)