Brighton’s slim chances of qualifying for Europe reduced further as they struggled to a 1-1 draw at lowly Burnley.
Brighton made a slow start and they lost Pervis Estupinan to an ankle injury after 13 minutes – replaced by Igor. Burnley were the brighter team and should have taken the lead on 17 minutes as Bruun Larsen fired wide from close range. Simon Adingra forced a save from Arijanet Muric on 23 minutes and the Burnley stopper denied Brighton again as he saved well from Jakub Moder's 20-yard freekick. Brighton pushed after the break, Adingra dithered when put through by Moder and Pascal Gross saw a deflected effort tipped over the bar. The hosts took the lead on 74 minutes as Carlos Beleba hit a short back pass and Bart Verbruggen’s clearance cannoned into the net off Josh Brownhill. Muric then gifted Brighton a leveller when a tame back pass rolled under his foot – it’s one of the worst mistakes you’ll see all season. The Seagulls remain 10th in the table with six to go.
Here’s how the Brighton players rated...
5. Lewis Dunk 6
Defended very well himself and organised the players around him. Usual high level display. Photo: Mike Hewitt
6. Pervis Estupinan 5
Quite fortunate to escape a big penalty appeal on seven minutes for his challenge on Odobert. Came off on 13 minutes, looked like an injured left ankle. Photo: Lewis Storey
7. Pascal Gross 6
Played quite high in the midfield and led the press. Keeps clocking up the minutes this season. Just couldn't find that killer pass today. Photo: Gareth Copley
8. Carlos Baleba 5
Lost his footing for the goal and sold Verbruggen short with the back pass. Unfortunate as he'd played pretty well until that point Photo: Gareth Copley