Brighton & Hove Albion salvaged a 1-1 draw against West Ham United on Sunday, thanks to a late equalizer from Georginio Rutter. Jarrod Bowen had earlier put West Ham ahead with a clever finish, but Rutter's strike in stoppage time ensured a share of the points at the Amex Stadium.
West Ham, under the guidance of Nuno Espirito Santo, looked set to secure a valuable away win and potentially climb out of the relegation zone. However, Rutter's late intervention denied them the victory, leaving the Hammers in 18th place. Brighton, meanwhile, maintained their push for European qualification.
The match was played in challenging conditions on the south coast, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm in the rain. West Ham's Nuno Espirito Santo reinstated Lucas Paqueta into the starting lineup following his suspension. Paqueta had a decent game, testing Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen with a stinging strike.
The deadlock was broken in the 73rd minute when Bowen slid in to convert a pass from Callum Wilson, steering the ball into the far corner. It was an opportunistic goal from the England international, who has been a key figure for West Ham this season. The goal was Bowen's 60th in the Premier League, taking his tally of goal involvements for the club to 99, only behind Michail Antonio.
Brighton struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout the match and failed to register a single shot on target until the 89th minute. However, they kept pushing and eventually found a breakthrough in stoppage time. Rutter's fierce low drive found the back of the net, sparking celebrations among the home fans. The goal was Rutter's first Premier League goal of the campaign. A VAR check for a potential handball was conducted but the goal stood.
Brighton have now gained 11 points from losing positions in the Premier League this season. West Ham, despite the late setback, have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, losing just one of their last six league matches. However, they have now conceded five goals in the 90th minute or later this season, a concerning statistic for Nuno Espirito Santo.
Verbruggen made a crucial double save earlier in the match to deny Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, preventing West Ham from extending their lead. Alphonse Areola also made a good save, tipping a deflected cross from Mats Wieffer onto the bar. The draw keeps Brighton in seventh place, while West Ham remain in the relegation zone, two points behind Nottingham Forest.
