Brighton2 - 2Leicester

The Foxes have managed to end an eight-game losing run in the Premier League, but they are still seemingly destined to return to the Championship for the 2025-26 campaign.

Indeed, a total of 18 points has left them in 19th spot in the Premier League table, 14 points behind 17th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Brighton sit ninth, five points behind seventh-placed Newcastle United in the battle for Europe.

Joao Pedro scored twice from the penalty spot for Brighton, but Leicester first answered back through Stephy Mavididi in the 38th minute, before a header from Caleb Okoli make it 2-2 in the 74th minute.

The result is a setback for Brighton and their hopes of securing European action for next term, while Leicester's supporters will have been delighted to have seen some battling qualities from their side on Saturday afternoon.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Credit to Leicester, as there was a lot of fight about their performance at the Amex on Saturday afternoon.

It has been an incredibly difficult season for the Foxes, and they entered this match off the back of nine straight defeats in all competitions - it appeared that would be 10 when Pedro registered from the penalty spot, but the strugglers answered back on both occasions.

Unless something incredible happens, Leicester will be playing Championship football next season, but this display would have given their fans some hope for the future, as a number of players showed that their heart is in it.

For Brighton, these are the matches that they need to win in order to secure a European spot in the final table, and the draw is certainly a setback for the Seagulls, especially as they led twice in front of their own supporters.

Fabian Hurzeler's side are currently five points off a qualification spot for the Conference League playoff round, while they are also five points from automatic qualification for the league phase of the Europa League.

BRIGHTON VS. LEICESTER HIGHLIGHTS

31st min: Brighton 1-0 Leicester (Joao Pedro, penalty)

Brighton take the lead in the 31st minute of the contest, with Pedro converting from the penalty spot after Conor Coady had handled the ball inside the box; the Seagulls have the advantage on home soil.

38th min: Brighton 1-1 Leicester (Stephy Mavididi)

Leicester level the scores in the 38th minute of the contest, and the goal comes from Mavididi, who smashes one into the back of the Brighton net after the ball had broken back to him inside the penalty box.

55th min: Brighton 2-1 Leicester (Joao Pedro, penalty)

Brighton regain the lead in the early stages of the second period, and it is another penalty from Pedro, with the striker converting after Luke Thomas had been penalised for a pull on the shirt of Matt O'Riley.

74th min: Brighton 2-2 Leicester (Caleb Okoli)

Leicester level the scores in the 74th minute of the match, as Okoli heads an excellent free-kick delivery from Bilal El Khannouss into the back of the net; the 23-year-old is off the mark for the Foxes in terms of goals.

MAN OF THE MATCH - JOAO PEDRO

Pedro showed excellent composure to net twice from the penalty spot against Leicester, and the 23-year-old has now managed 10 goals and six assists in 26 Premier League appearances during a productive campaign.

The Brazilian caused Leicester all sorts of problems with his movement in and around the penalty area, and the Foxes will be pleased that they do not have to face forwards of his calibre every week.

BRIGHTON VS. LEICESTER MATCH STATS

Possession: Brighton 59%-41% Leicester

Shots: Brighton 21-15 Leicester

Shots on target: Brighton 7-6 Leicester

Corners: Brighton 3-6 Leicester

Fouls: Brighton 9-11 Leicester

BEST STAT

WHAT NEXT?

Brighton will be aiming to win for the first time in the Premier League since the start of March when they continue their campaign away to Brentford next Saturday.

Leicester, meanwhile, will be looking to build on what was a strong performance when they return to the King Power Stadium next Sunday with a clash against division leaders Liverpool.

Written by

Matt Law