Stifled throughout the contest, Brighton were ensnared by Nuno Espírito Santo's defensive plan. The strategy came to fruition when Jarrod Bowen finished a swift break, driving home from a tight angle a short time after substitute Wilson entered the field. But, as is their tradition at the Amex, Brighton staged a last-minute comeback, with Georginio Rutter smashing in the leveler from inside the box to earn a draw.
For long stretches, Brighton's offensive play was unusually ineffective, failing to register a solitary shot that tested the keeper. Albion's aspirations of reaching European competition are being undermined by this erratic form. West Ham, also struggling near the foot of the standings, adopted a deep defensive block, content to defend and launch direct passes for their speedy attackers to chase. The poor conditions only disrupted the flow of the match.
“The worse the weather became, the greater the likelihood of a error or lucky bounce resulting in a score,” it was noted.
The stalemate was finally broken in the favour. One costly mistake from Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke was seized by Callum Wilson, who swiftly sent Bowen clear to finish. This seemed to have sealed a crucial win for Nuno's side in their fight against the drop. The Seagulls, stirred by the setback, pressed forward, going close when Kilman almost deflected the ball into his own net.
Given that late goals have become commonplace at the Amex Stadium, the home supporters retained a glimmer of hope. Their belief was justified in during closing moments. In a chaotic goalmouth scramble, van Hecke showed composure to pass the ball across the area, where Georginio Rutter was on hand to crash it into the roof of the net. The equaliser sparked rapturous scenes among the home players and fans, while it was a crushing setback to the Hammers' safety hopes.
This point fails to ease the drop zone concerns for West Ham, who remain firmly involved in the fight at the bottom of the table. For Brighton, it is another example of their never-say-die attitude, but also highlights the erratic performances that continue holding back their campaign.
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