Brighton recover twice to salvage draw with Stoke

Brighton: Promoted Brighton’s promising Premier League campaign continued as they rallied twice to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Stoke City on Monday.

The visitors went ahead through Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting but Pascal Gross equalised just before the break only for Kurt Zouma to head Stoke back in front moments later. Jose Izquierdo then levelled for Brighton on the hour to earn a deserved point.

A third straight home draw frustrated some supporters but Brighton manager Chris Hughton put the point into perspective.

“When you have been behind twice you have to show character and we did. We were not at our best today. Stoke are a very manly team, we had to stand up to that.

“We have to be realistic. We are playing against better teams and better players and if you can’t win games then try to make sure you don’t lose them,” he said.

The draw leaves Brighton in ninth place on 16 points from 12 games while Stoke are 15th on 13 points.