In the opening minutes, Brighton thought they had opened the scoring with Minteh. However, it was waved off as the cross from Baleba had gone out over the goal kick.
For all of Albion’s attacking flurries at the beginning of this clash, they were unable to take control of the scoreline in the first half.
In the second half, The Seagulls remained on top and Fulham let their guard down. Rutter made a charging run into the box with the ball. He was brought down by Berge, and the 54th minute, O’Riley stepped up and converted from the spot.
Albion had plenty of chances to win this one. They could’ve been four up with the amount of opportunities they created.
Brighton will rue the chances they missed, with Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz scoring in the last minute of stoppage time (90+6).
The game ended 1-1.
Here are Sussex World’s player ratings as Albion draw against Fulham.
1. Bart Verbruggen (GK) – 7
He stuck a leg out in the 7th minute that brought down a Fulham attacker. It was checked, but the young goalkeeper got away with that one. Held the ball well at the beginning of the first half, after a fizzing ball was placed in close to his near post. Photo: Mike Hewitt
2. Jan Paul van Hecke – 6
A few sloppy passes, but warmed into the game. He made some key blocks to make up for it, and helped Dunk manage the back line effectively. Photo: GLYN KIRK
3. Lewis Dunk (C) – 6
Looked confident in this one. It was nice to see him leading the back line in such a positive way. He looked refreshed from the summer. However, as the captain, he has to ensure the back line can stand firm. Brighton had no right to draw that, and the pressure of one last corner in the final minute of stoppage time was just too much today. Photo: GLYN KIRK
4. Maxim De Cuyper – 6
His Premier League debut for the Albion. Was a little nervous and gave away an unnecessary free kick at the beginning of the game and the start of the second half. Did his job well in a free-kick set piece in the 42nd minute, floating the ball in nicely to Mats Wieffer. Photo: Mike Hewitt