Fulham fought back impressively in the second half to grab a draw at Brighton as the Seagulls continue to stutter.
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Buoyed by their first-ever European win in midweek (a 2-0 home win in the Europa League against Ajax) Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton came flying out of the traps and deservedly led through Evan Ferguson’s fine finish.
But their dominance disappeared in the second half as Fulham were good value for their leveller, as a lovely team move led to Joao Palhinha smashing home a stunner to make it 1-1 and grab a point for the Cottagers. Both teams had chances to win it, and Brighton wanted a penalty kick and had an effort brilliantly cleared off the line by Antonee Robinson, but a draw was the fair result.
With the point it is now four games without a win for Brighton as they move on to 17 points for the season, while Fulham have 12 points and continue to chug along nicely under Marco Silva.
Seagulls stumbling as fixtures pile up
This was always going to be the be the issue for Brighton this season. After doing so well to qualify for their first-ever European campaign, Roberto De Zerbi’s side are starting to show signs of fatigue and that’s normal. The same thing happened to the likes of Swansea, Leicester, Southampton and West Ham when they’ve qualified for European action unexpectedly and the way Brighton play, Roberto De Zerbi demands high-pressing and incredible intensity. That’s fine if you have a big squad but Brighton are making so many changes week in, week out and there is a lack of a fluidity in their play and they faded badly in the second half again Fulham as the Cottagers overran them and that’s how they grabbed their equalizer. Again, we expected this. They’re coming off an emotional first-ever European win — against European giants who have fallen on tough times, Ajax — on Thursday and this grind of Europa League and Premier League action is relentless. It is especially crazy given the style Brighton play but don’t worry, whenever everyone writes off the Seagulls they always seem to figure out a way of going to the next level. Given all of the strains on their small squad, this season a top 10 finish and a deep run in the Europa League would be an amazing achievement.
Brighton vs Fulham player ratings
Via our friends at FotMob.com, we can see Joao Palhinha dominated once again. Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson rallied to halt Brighton and Alex Iwobi was very good in midfield. As is often the case, Gross and Mitoma were Brighton’s main threats going forward.
What’s next?
In PL action, Brighton head to Everton on Saturday, Nov. 4, while Fulham host Manchester United on the same day.
How to watch Brighton vs Fulham live, stream link, time
Kickoff: 10am ET, Sunday (Oct. 29)
TV channel: Peacock Premium
Online: Stream live via Premier League on Peacock
GOALLL! Brighton 1-1 Fulham - Joao Palhinha
So often Fulham’s main man since he arrived in the summer of 2022, Palhinha makes it 1-1 midway through the second half. What a finish after a lovely team move.
GOALLL! Brighton 1-0 Fulham - Evan Ferguson
That was coming. After Mitoma and others had gone close, Ferguson finished with a lovely first touch and quick finish. Calm as you like. He looked like Harry Kane when he rolled that one in...
Brighton lineup
COME ON ALBION! 💪 Here's our starting XI to take on @FulhamFC this afternoon. 📝
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) October 29, 2023
📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/adXvCFvCwR
Fulham lineup
The Fulham. 💖#BHAFUL pic.twitter.com/qvZYXL9Ml5
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) October 29, 2023
Focus on Brighton
OUT: Julio Enciso (knee), Pervis Estupiñan (thigh), Jakub Moder (knee), Tariq Lamptey (undisclosed), Danny Welbeck (other), Solly March (knee)
Focus on Fulham
OUT: Issa Diop (foot), Tosin Adarabioyo (groin), Adama Traore (hamstring), Kenny Tete (undisclosed)
