Harry Kane and Dele Alli seal Tottenham comeback for Jose Mourinho against Brighton

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:18 am

Tottenham bounced back from their loss to Chelsea by coming from behind to defeat Brighton 2-1 on Boxing Day.

Adam Webster headed Brighton in front on 37 minutes before Harry Kane equalised in the second half and Dele Alli's fine strike 20 minutes from time sealed the comeback.

It was Tottenham's first match at home since their 2-0 defeat to Chelsea last Sunday was marred by racism, with Antonio Rudiger reporting monkey chants and a Chelsea fan was arrested for allegedly racially abusing Son Heung-Min, who missed the Brighton match through suspension after he was sent off.

Jose Mourinho left club record £65 million Tanguy Ndombele out of the squad completely and gave Ryan Sessegnon his first Premier League start, with the 19-year-old going close inside the opening five minutes.

Steven Alzate then went close for the visitors but his testing drive was well stopped by Paulo Gazzaniga in the Tottenham goal.

Tottenham were made to work for their win over Brighton.
TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images

Tottenham thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Kane slotted home but after a delay, the VAR ruled the Spurs striker was offside.

Spurs were soon behind when Pascal Gross' free kick was met by Webster, who nodded past Gazzaniga to put Brighton in front.

It should have got worse for Mourinho's men early in the second half, but Aaron Connolly made a mess of his header from close range.

- ESPN Premier League fantasy: Sign up now!

- VAR in the Premier League: Ultimate guide

- When does the transfer window reopen?

- Premier League winter break: All you need to know

Connolly and Brighton were made to pay on 53 minutes, with Kane slamming home in the rebound after Mat Ryan had saved his initial shot.

And Alli's superb looping strike sealed an important fightback from Mourinho's side, who had Gazzaniga to thank for making a smart stop to deny Gross with the score at 1-1.