Tottenham Hotspur remain in the Premier League relegation zone after a 2-2 draw with Brighton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Georginio Rutter scored a stoppage-time equaliser to extend Spurs' winless run to 15 matches, their longest in more than 90 years. Manager Roberto De Zerbi emphasised the importance of mentality after the result left his side 18th, a point behind West Ham.
Tottenham took the lead through Pedro Porro's header from a chipped cross by Xavi Simons midway through the first half. Brighton levelled just before the break when Kaoru Mitoma finished first-time into the roof of the net from a narrow angle. The Seagulls had made an early change with Diego Gomez hobbling off after 20 minutes, while Spurs had close chances including Simons hitting the post twice in quick succession around Porro's goal. Both teams had near-misses early, with Brighton's effort ruled out for offside after hitting the post off Micky van de Ven, and a deflected Simons shot skimming wide for Tottenham. De Zerbi made four changes to the side that lost at Sunderland, bringing in Kevin Danso, Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur and Simons, with captain Cristian Romero out for the season due to a knee injury. Brighton's lineup was unchanged from their win over Burnley, with Danny Welbeck captaining in place of the suspended Lewis Dunk. The second half remained cagey until substitute Lucas Bergvall won the ball high and fed Simons, who curled an unstoppable shot into the net via the post with 15 minutes left. Rutter had the final say, lashing home after Danso failed to clear. De Zerbi urged his players to stay strong and focused. 'I said to be strong, to follow me again, and again because I want to help them,' he said. 'I want to help them change the mentality because the mentality in this moment of football is the most important part.' The Italian added: 'I am positive... I know my players, I know their qualities... I believe in them.' Tottenham, winless in 2026, face bottom side Wolves next.
