Key Points:
- Teenager Charalampos Kostoulas scored a stunning bicycle kick in the 91st minute to salvage a 1-1 draw for Brighton.
- Marcus Tavernier had earlier given Bournemouth the lead with a penalty awarded after a lengthy VAR review.
- The result maintains Brighton’s position in the top half of the table while denying Bournemouth their first away win since August.
The match between Brighton and Bournemouth began with high energy as both teams looked to establish mid-table dominance. Brighton controlled much of the early possession, creating several chances that tested Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. However, the visitors remained disciplined, absorbing the pressure and waiting for an opportunity to strike on the counter-attack.
Controversy struck in the 32nd minute when Bournemouth’s Amine Adli went down in the box under a challenge. Referee Paul Tierney initially booked Adli for simulation, but VAR intervened to suggest a second look at the pitchside monitor. After the review, the yellow card was rescinded, and a penalty was awarded, which Marcus Tavernier converted with clinical precision.
This decision sparked fury among the home fans and Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, who voiced his frustration from the touchline. Bournemouth almost doubled their lead shortly after when Evanilson hit the post, leaving the Seagulls trailing at the break. The hosts struggled to find their rhythm as the first half drew to a close.
In the second half, Hurzeler introduced several substitutes to inject fresh energy into the Brighton attack. The home side pinned Bournemouth back for long periods, yet they struggled to break down a resilient defensive line. It appeared that Bournemouth would hold on for a rare and precious away victory as the clock ticked toward ninety minutes.
Everything changed in the first minute of stoppage time when Jan Paul van Hecke knocked a long ball down into the box. Kostoulas chested the ball up, turned his back to the goal, and launched into a flawless overhead kick. The ball flew into the top corner, leaving Petrovic completely stationary and sending the stadium into raptures.
This goal marks the ninth time this season that a Brighton substitute has scored, the highest in the league. It highlights the incredible depth and resilience of Hurzeler’s squad despite several ongoing injury concerns. The young Greek forward, signed from Olympiakos last July, has quickly become a fan favorite with his flair.
For Bournemouth, the draw feels like a missed opportunity to climb higher in the Premier League standings. They have now conceded 12 goals in the final fifteen minutes of matches this season, a statistic that will worry coach Andoni Iraola. Despite the late heartbreak, they remain a competitive force in the bottom half of the table.
The final whistle confirmed a shared result that felt justified given the balance of play throughout the evening. Brighton currently sits in 12th place with 30 points, three points ahead of their rivals from the south coast. Both teams will now look toward their upcoming weekend fixtures to regain winning momentum.
Spectators will remember this match primarily for Kostoulas’ individual brilliance rather than the tactical stalemate that preceded it. Such moments of individual skill remind fans why the Premier League remains the most unpredictable competition in the world. The teenage star’s first goal at the Amex is already a candidate for goal of the month.
As the 2026 season progresses, the development of young talents like Kostoulas will be a key storyline for Brighton. Their commitment to giving youth a platform continues to pay dividends on the pitch. The Seagulls remain a dangerous opponent for anyone in the league when their bench can provide such world-class quality.
