Will Simpson, writing with ISNTV
Brighton were held by Leicester 2-2 as a grossly wasteful display in front of goal dented their European ambitions.
The Seagulls could only score from Joao Pedro’s spot kick double either side of half-time, whereas Leicester scored their first Premier League goals since January 26 following Stephy Mavididi’s finish and Caleb Okoli’s set-piece header.
Both of Brighton’s penalties were initially not given by referee Darren Bond, but VAR official Stuart Atwell recommended on-field reviews twice.
Conor Coady’s handball cost Leicester the first penalty, whereas Luke Thomas dragged down Matt O’Riley for the second.
Pedro calmly dispatched both penalties, sending Mats Hermansen the wrong way twice.
Leicester’s goals were both equalisers and against the run of play. Mavididi’s finish was lucky to fly beyond Verbruggen’s hand, and Okoli’s header came from a one-off free kick.
After levelling the game 2-2, momentum swung in Leicester’s favour. Bilal El Khannous struck the post, and Brighton were messy at the back.
Pedro’s penalties, evidently, were the only composure Brighton showed all afternoon.
Simon Adingra couldn’t convert within the six yard box from a cross, opting for an unorthodox use of the outside of his left boot, whilst O’Riley hit the post before half-time.
Yankuba Minteh and O’Riley also had 1-on-1 chances in the second half, but fluffed their lines.
In total, Brighton secured over 4xG but could not score outside of the penalties, as a frustrated Amex booed their side off at full-time.
The slip-up leaves the Seagulls in 9th and heavily inhibits their European chances.
