Brighton 2-2 Southampton: Ward-Prowse Stunners Deny Seagulls

Sunday, 24 April 2022 23:01

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse scored twice from range to secure a 2-2 draw with Brighton, who are still without a win at home in 2022.

Graham Potter's men went two goals ahead courtesy of an early Danny Welbeck strike and Mohammed Salisu own goal, before Ward-Prowse scored his 14th Premier League free-kick and then made it 2-2 with another fantastic effort.

Brighton thought they had won it late on when Pascal Gross rocketed in a shot from 25 yards but the VAR spotted he was offside in the build-up.

It was a fantastic comeback from Southampton, who had lost Tino Livramento to a knee injury just before the break which required him to be stretchered off needing oxygen.

Albion had lost four of their last five home Premier League games without scoring.

That run of eight hours without a goal at the Amex was ended inside two minutes when Welbeck forced home from close range after some questionable defending from Salisu and goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

It was Welbeck's sixth goal against Southampton - the most he has scored in his career against the same opponent.

Livramento struck the woodwork for the Saints in their search for an equaliser and his luck did not improve when he was stretchered off after injuring his knee.

Brighton doubled their advantage when a Leandro Trossard pass in search of Welbeck was turned past his own goalkeeper by Salisu.

Potter's team have won eight of their nine games when scoring first this season so a comeback looked unlikely - but Ward-Prowse had other ideas.

The England midfielder closed the gap to David Beckham's 18-goal free-kick record in the Premier League when sending an intelligent finish from 22 yards into the bottom corner.

Saints were buoyant and laid siege to the Brighton goal after the break. A spell of domination was capped by a majestic Ward-Prowse strike from long range, set up by an Oriel Romeu backheel. It was a magical goal.

Potter looked to his bench for inspiration and his changes took the game back in Brighton's favour with Gross making his mark.

The midfielder thought he had scored a dramatic winner, but a very close offside call cut short the celebrations, leaving Albion with just one win in their last 14 home matches.

Brighton Star Player: Enock Mwepu

The Seagulls' return to form has coincided with the Zambian ace returning. Another excellent display against Saints bodes well for Albion's prospects next season.