Premier League: Brighton climbs to second after 1-1 draw with Southampton

Kaoru Mitoma scores for Brighton, but Flynn Downes equalizes as Brighton draws 1-1 with Southampton, moving to second place.

Kaoru Mitoma's first-half header for Brighton & Hove Albion was cancelled out by a Flynn Downes strike just before the hour as the Seagulls drew 1-1 at home with bottom side Southampton on Friday (November 29, 2024) to move up to second in the Premier League table.

Brighton are level on 23 points with champions Manchester City, who face leaders Liverpool on Sunday. Liverpool are eight points ahead.

The visitors made Joe Lumley their third starting goalkeeper of the season and he was immediately under pressure as the home side started strongly.

Mitoma had the first good chance of the game as Brighton broke out from defence at pace in the seventh minute, but with Lumley well off his line, the Japanese winger dragged his shot just wide of the right-hand post.

Two minutes later Georgino cut across the penalty area from right to left, but he too arrowed his shot just wide, and he came even closer in the 16th minute, again cutting in off the wing before smacking his shot off the far post.

Lumley's clean sheet on his Premier League debut lasted only 29 minutes as Brighton's pressure paid off he was finally beaten by Mitoma's well-placed header from a bouncing Tariq Lamptey cross.

Rejuvenated in the second half, Southampton equalised in the 59th minute after Adam Armstrong had two shots blocked in quick succession but midfielder Downes made no mistake with the rebound from the second effort, slamming it home.