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...
1.
Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion battles with Sander Berge of Burnley during the Premier League match at Turf Moor Photo: Gareth Copley
2. Bart Verbruggen 6
Very unlucky with the goal after he blasted his clearance against Brownhill after a slip and a short back pass by Baleba Photo: Lewis Storey
3. Joel Veltman 7
Very reliable as always. Solid defensively, sound in possession and broke forward when he could. Photo: Mike Hewitt
4. Jan Paul van Hecke 7
Looks every inch a Premier League defender these day. Positional play was excellent and rarely troubled. Player of the season? Photo: Mike Hewitt