Brighton & Hove Albion 2 Bournemouth 2
Albion were twice pegged back by Bournemouth in a gripping New Year’s Day encounter
Anthony Knockaert put the Albion ahead as he squeezed in his shot from a tight angle after great work from Jose Izquierdo.
Izquierdo looked full of running in the early exchanges as Albion eagerly searched out a quick second.
Davy Propper and Glenn Murray both saw shots charged down by the Bournemouth defence, then Pascal Gross released Izquierdo who ran at the Cherries defence and angled a shot just wide of Asmir Begovic’s right hand post.
Albion were having lots of useful possession but when Bournemouth had the ball you sensed the Seagulls defence lacked in some confidence.
Maty Ryan made good saves from Charlie Daniels and Harry Arter but the Seagulls’ inability to retain possession while under pressure is becoming more of a worry.
Izquierdo was again involved as the ball found its way through to him from Gross but the Columbian’s stabbed close-range shot was dealt with by Begovic.
Bournemouth drew level just before half time, Steve Cook rising to meet a corner that Shane Duffy missed and the ex-Seagulls’ effort just eluded Ryan for 1-1.
Albion got back in front early in the second half with Izquierdo latching on to a loose ball and getting clear of the defence. His beautifully weighted pass found Murray, who took his time before smashing the ball home to put Albion back in front.
With Ezequiel Schelotto rampant down one wing and Izquierdo down the other, Albion had lots of attacking options.
Almost out of nothing Izquierdo sprinted from inside his own half but carried it too close to Begovic and the chance was gone.
Shane Duffy had another good chance from a corner but his close-range effort was blocked.
Knockaert saw another shot from a tight angle hit the side netting.
Bournemouth’s inevitable equaliser was a scrappy one, with the ball ricocheting around the penalty area before Callum Wilson diverted it past a wrong-footed Ryan.
