Late Equalizer Denies Bournemouth Victory Against Brighton
Charalampos Kostoulas scored a breathtaking overhead kick in stoppage time, denying Bournemouth a much-needed away victory in the Premier League.
Marcus Tavernier had given the Cherries the lead with a penalty in the first half, awarded after video assistant referee (VAR) intervention. This goal had set Bournemouth on course for only their second away win of the season.
However, the 18-year-old Kostoulas equalized for Brighton in the 91st minute, securing a share of the points for the home side.
Brighton started the match strongly, putting pressure on Bournemouth's goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic with early attempts from Ferdi Kadioglu, Brajan Gruda, and Jack Hinshelwood.
It was Bournemouth who broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when Tavernier successfully converted a penalty, sending the ball past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The penalty was awarded following a swift counter-attack, during which Amine Adli was fouled by Verbruggen. Initially, a yellow card was shown to Adli for simulation, but after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, referee Paul Tierney overturned the decision and awarded the penalty.
Record signing Evanilson nearly doubled the visitors' lead seven minutes before half-time, hitting the post as he sought his third goal in as many Premier League matches.
Brighton dominated possession in the second half and increased their attacking efforts with the introduction of Yankuba Minteh, Carlos Baleba, and Georginio Rutter in the 66th minute.
In the second of eight minutes added time, substitute Kostoulas delivered a stunning equalizer, preventing Bournemouth from claiming their first Premier League away victory since August.
The draw leaves both teams in their respective positions on the Premier League table, with Brighton in 12th place and Bournemouth in 15th.
Upcoming Matches
Brighton will face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, January 24, at 15:00 GMT. Meanwhile, Bournemouth will host Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium on the same day at 17:30 GMT.