A dramatic, rain-soaked Premier League encounter on the south coast ended all square as Georginio Rutter's injury-time equaliser rescued a 1-1 draw for Brighton & Hove Albion against West Ham United.
Bowen's Moment of Brilliance
The match, played on Sunday 07 December 2025, looked to be heading for a rare West Ham victory thanks to a moment of sheer ingenuity from Jarrod Bowen. The England World Cup hopeful broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute with what was essentially a sublime tackle-turned-finish.
After a headed clearance from Jan Paul van Hecke fell to substitute Callum Wilson, he slipped the ball forward for Bowen, who was in a footrace with Brighton defender Ferdi Kadioglu. As the Seagulls' full-back attempted to shepherd the ball out wide, Bowen slid in, won possession, and in one fluid motion guided the ball across goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and inside the far post.
Brighton's Frustration and Late Relief
For much of the contest, a below-par Brighton had struggled to break down a resilient West Ham defence, despite early chances for Maxim De Cuyper and Diego Gomez. The Hammers, with Lucas Paqueta returning from suspension, had missed a golden opportunity themselves in the first half when Crysencio Summerville fired wide after being put clean through.
Brighton captain Lewis Dunk, making his 501st appearance for the club, produced a heroic block to deny Bowen setting up Summerville for a tap-in after the break. Moments later, Verbruggen made a stunning double save to keep out Bowen and Summerville again.
Bowen's goal seemed destined to secure only West Ham's second league win over Brighton in 17 attempts. The Seagulls came agonisingly close to an instant reply when Rutter's cross deflected off Max Kilman, looping over Alphonse Areola, who tipped it onto the crossbar.
Rutter's Last-Gasp Intervention
The home side's pressure finally told in stoppage time. Georginio Rutter found space in the box and saw his initial effort well saved by Areola, but the French striker was quickest to react, slamming home the rebound to send the Amex Stadium into raptures.
The goal was subject to a VAR check for a potential handball, but it was swiftly given, securing a share of the points. West Ham had one final chance to snatch victory, but Konstantinos Mavropanos could only head a corner narrowly wide.
The result leaves West Ham, who had taken the lead so spectacularly, still languishing in the Premier League's bottom three, while Brighton will be relieved to have escaped with a point after a performance that fell below their usual standards.
