Brighton dominate in North London but miss out on Europe | OneFootball

Tottenham Collapse After Europa High as Brighton Impress but Fall Short

Europa League Glory Overshadowed by Dismal League Finish

Tottenham may have paraded silverware at full-time, but their season ended in disarray on the pitch, not celebration. A 4-1 home thrashing at the hands of a vibrant Brighton side was the latest stumble in a campaign littered with them. While Spurs toasted their Europa League triumph from midweek, it was a sobering Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as they slumped to their 22nd Premier League defeat, concluding the season in 17th place — their lowest ever top-flight finish.

Brighton, meanwhile, played with the fluency and urgency of a team with something still to chase. And although they sealed eighth place in the Premier League table, results elsewhere meant it was not enough to clinch a European spot. Their victory in North London underlined the progress made under Fabian Hürzeler, even if continental football will elude them for now.

Mitoma Magic Changes the Tempo

Tottenham began brightly, taking the lead through Dominic Solanke’s first-half penalty after Mathys Tel was brought down by Mats Wieffer. It was a moment that briefly lifted the atmosphere, suggesting Spurs might end the league season on a high. But Brighton adjusted and recalibrated. They had started flat, passive even, but the half-time introduction of Kaoru Mitoma transformed their rhythm.

Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates scoring a goal after making the score 2-2. Brighton & Hove Albion v Liverpool, Premier League, Football, American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, UK – 19 May 2025 EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROUxBULxUAExKSAxONLY Copyright: xJamesxMarsh/Shutterstockx 15309792bg

Mitoma, as he so often does, attacked with purpose and flair, immediately winning a corner which led to Jack Hinshelwood’s equaliser. The 20-year-old, a symbol of Brighton’s focus on youth and development, struck twice to turn the game on its head. His first came from close range and his second — a stunning backheel finish from a knockdown at a corner — demonstrated audacity beyond his years.

The young midfielder’s goals not only gave Brighton control but also calmed any nerves they might have had about losing grip on eighth place. While Chelsea’s result meant Europe was out of reach, the Seagulls played with a freedom that suggested otherwise.

Tottenham’s Structural Issues Laid Bare

What followed from Spurs was a capitulation that will be deeply concerning to the club’s hierarchy. Matt O’Riley converted a third goal for Brighton from the penalty spot after Yves Bissouma fouled Diego Gomez in the area, and the Paraguayan rounded off the scoring with a brilliant long-range effort in injury time — his first goal for the club. It curled into the top right corner, past a flailing Guglielmo Vicario.

For all the fanfare around their European silverware, Tottenham’s domestic troubles remain entrenched. Defensive frailty, lack of midfield cohesion, and an over-reliance on individual moments have plagued them all season.

“This defeat was a sobering reminder of the problems that persist at Tottenham,” the post-match mood suggested, and few would disagree.

Postecoglou Defends Record but Future Unclear

Ange Postecoglou was defiant afterwards, insisting, “outstanding” was a fair summary of the season. He has a trophy in the cabinet and Champions League qualification to his name. From that standpoint, his argument holds weight. “All the best TV series, season three is better than season two,” he told the fans during Spurs’ Europa League parade, a line interpreted as a hint of continuity at the club.

Yet, speculation continues to swirl. In his pre-match press conference, the Australian had joked, “sometimes they kill off the main character,” when asked about his future, a line that felt closer to reality by full-time. Rumours of his dismissal if Spurs lost the Europa League final had dominated build-up coverage, and that narrative lingers — especially after this dismantling by Brighton.

Chairman Daniel Levy has yet to publicly commit to retaining Postecoglou. With the dust now settled on both the Europa League and domestic campaigns, clarity is expected within 48 hours. Whether the European success can truly paper over the cracks of a season where Tottenham lost more than half of their league matches remains to be seen.

Brighton walk away proud, if a little disappointed, their performance a strong statement of intent. For Tottenham, questions far outnumber answers.