Tottenham’s wait for a domestic win in 2026 drags on, but their showing against Brighton offered enough to spark debate over who stood out and who fell short. We have now identified the winners and losers from that clash.
The wait continues for Tottenham Hotspur, who are yet to win a domestic game in 2026, a run that has seen them fall into the bottom three.
However, the performance against Brighton and Hove Albion, where they drew 2-2, was a much-improved display from the Lilywhites, who showed fight as they aimed to secure a win and leapfrog 18th place.
Unfortunately, despite taking the lead twice on the evening, a late Rutter equaliser ensured the points were shared, leaving Spurs to rue their missed chances.
Still, there were a few winners from that encounter, and we have now identified them.
Xavi Simons shines for Tottenham vs Brighton
There is no arguing about the display Xavi Simons put in against the Seagulls on Saturday evening. There is a case to be made that it was his best performance in the league since he joined Spurs.
The Dutchman was involved in most of Tottenham’s attacking play and secured a goal and an assist, both of which were of high quality. Sadly, his second-half stunner was not enough to hand Spurs all three points.
To have produced such a display after missing out on De Zerbi’s starting XI last week against Sunderland shows his character.
De Zerbi will be pleased that the midfielder added goals and assists after calling on Simons to improve that aspect of his game before the Brighton clash.
Rodrigo Bentancur impresses in midfield
It is clear that Roberto De Zerbi is still finding the right balance in his team, and in the clash against Brighton, we saw him shuffle the midfield.
Simons and Rodrigo Bentancur were introduced in this encounter, and the levels improved. Bentancur, in particular, showed quality in the pivot role, bringing composure to Spurs’ play in the centre of the pitch.
To have elevated the standards so quickly after being sidelined for three months shows that, on his day, he is one of Tottenham’s better midfielders.
He did lose some steam later in the match, but that is expected given how long he has been out. After such a display, it will be hard to see him dropped in the final five games of the season.
Gallagher shows energy and intent
Last week, Gallagher was far from impressive, but on Saturday, he looked much better in a more advanced role.
He is clearly a player with immense energy, and that was on show against Brighton, where he pressed, tracked back to defend and made several runs into the box.
Such energy, fight and determination are what Spurs need as they aim to gather momentum in the final games of the season.
Gallagher is one that De Zerbi likes, and when he produces displays like that, it is hard to see him being dropped.
As for the losers from Tottenham 2-2 Brighton…
Kevin Danso error proves costly for Tottenham
Of course, there is no other standout here than Kevin Danso, who had a lapse in concentration in the final moments against the Seagulls, a costly mistake that denied Spurs all three points.
It hurts all the more when a simple clearance would have had Tottenham sitting outside of the relegation places by now. But it was not to be, and unfortunately for Danso, he was the culprit.
He will have to pick himself up in the final games, as Tottenham do not have many options to replace him. Cristian Romero’s five-to-seven-week injury means Danso is likely to fill in for the rest of the season.
It is not panic stations, though, as he barely put a foot wrong for most of the game and showed his quality.
Randal Kolo Muani struggles to impact game
While the rest of the Tottenham attack seems to be gelling and improving with their link-up play, it appears Randal Kolo Muani is not yet at the same level as his teammates.
De Zerbi believes the Frenchman is the solution on the right, but his displays in the last two outings have not been encouraging.
Looking at the numbers, he was underwhelming, recording just 19 touches while failing to create a chance or register a shot.
Of those 19 touches, only four came in the box, which is poor for a wide player expected to provide a goal threat and create chances.
- Touches – 19
- Accurate passes – 8/9 (89%)
- Touches in opposition box – 4
Guglielmo Vicario faces competition from Kinsky
Watching on from the bench was Guglielmo Vicario, who was fully invested in his side’s performance, almost acting as a second coach.
Soon, though, he could be back on the pitch once he recovers from hernia surgery after spending over a month on the sidelines.
However, at present, given the performances of Kinsky, who has barely put a foot wrong, it is hard to see how the Italian walks straight back into the side.
We already know De Zerbi likes to rotate his goalkeepers, and whether that will be the case at Spurs remains to be seen.
Kinsky has been assured with the ball at his feet and has also proven to be a capable shot-stopper. The question is whether De Zerbi is willing to change things again in goal as Vicario nears a return.