Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest battled it out in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Amex Stadium, marking a continuation of their unbeaten starts to the Premier League season. The encounter was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring a penalty, two quick goals, a controversial red card, and heated exchanges between both managers.
Forest struck first in the 13th minute when Chris Wood converted a penalty after Carlos Baleba fouled Callum Hudson-Odoi. The visitors looked in control, disrupting Brighton’s usual rhythm, but the tide turned dramatically just before half-time.
Brighton finally found their feet, scoring twice within a three-minute span. Jack Hinshelwood met a cross from Jan Paul van Hecke with a powerful header to equalize in the 42nd minute. This was followed by a stunning free-kick from Danny Welbeck, who curled the ball past Matz Sels in the 45th minute, giving Brighton a 2-1 lead.
However, Forest fought back with determination. Substitute Ramon Sosa, making his mark after coming on for the injured Brennan Johnson, slotted home from close range in the 70th minute to level the score.
The match then took a dramatic turn as tempers flared. Morgan Gibbs-White received a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal for a forceful tackle on Joao Pedro. The incident further escalated, with both managers, Nuno Espirito Santo and Fabian Huerzeler, being sent off for “unacceptable technical area behaviour.”
Despite the dramatic conclusion, both teams walked away with a point each, extending their unbeaten runs to five games. Brighton remains in seventh place with nine points, while Forest sits in eighth place with the same tally.
The result highlights the impressive start both sides have made to the season. Forest, in particular, has been one of the surprise packages, securing a victory against Liverpool last weekend, and now showcasing their resilience by earning a point at Brighton.
Brighton, on the other hand, will be disappointed to have dropped two points at home. However, they are still unbeaten after five games, marking a significant achievement for the Seagulls, especially considering their current position in the table. The match was a testament to the unpredictable nature of the Premier League, showcasing thrilling action, contentious decisions, and both teams battling to the final whistle.
