Spurs ‘suffering too much’ as Brighton land brutal blow

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·18 April 2026

Spurs ‘suffering too much’ as Brighton land brutal blow

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi says his players are “suffering too much” after Brighton denied them victory with a late equaliser on Saturday.

Tottenham put in their best performance in months, going ahead twice at home but couldn’t hold on for their first win of 2026 as Giorgino Rutter scored in stoppage time.

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Pedro Porro gave the hosts a deserved lead in the first half, but it was cancelled out by a stupendous finish from Kaoru Mitoma before the break.

Xavi Simons restored Spurs’ lead in the second half with a terrific goal of his own, sparking scenes of jubilation inside the ground.

A fatal error from Kevin Danso cost them dearly, though, as the centre-back lost possession in his own box to Jan Paul Van Hecke, who teed up Rutter to break the Lilywhites’ hearts.

The result means Spurs remain in the bottom three of the Premier League, one point from safety with five games remaining and staring relegation in the face.

Spurs ‘suffering too much’ as Brighton land brutal blow

“I am sorry for the result, for the players because they are suffering too much,” De Zerbi told Sky Sports after the final whistle.

“Today we deserved to win the game against one great Brighton. A big congratulations for their style, their level of players and everything. We couldn’t concede that goal from Rutter.”

Despite the disappointing end to the game, De Zerbi saw enough from his team to show him they can still beat the drop.

“I am positive but I am proud of my players. They played a fantastic game with character and spirit. We have to be stronger than this result, we have to move on and prepare the next game and try to win the game at Wolves. If you are strong like today, I think we can compete again.”

The Italian continued: “Today I saw signs, I saw blood, character, qualities, organisation with and without the ball. Everything to reach our target.”

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