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Brighton’s difficulties against Fulham are well-known.
Alex Iwobi scored twice, capitalizing on a mistake from Bart Verbruggen and an unfortunate late own goal by Matt O’Riley, leading to Brighton’s defeat, while their infamous coach Fabian Hurzeler observed from the stands, banned from the touchline.
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Carlos Baleba scored a brilliant equalizer for Brighton, but they have not won against Fulham in their past nine Premier League matches.
A win would have brought Brighton level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City, but they remain outside the top ranks.
Hurzeler was barred from the technical area due to altercations during a recent 1-1 draw with Southampton.
Saints’ manager, Russell Martin, expressed his frustrations, leading to a confrontation between the two coaches.
Lewis Dunk made his return to the squad after a lengthy injury, prompting Hurzeler to adopt a three-man defense to include the captain.
However, within minutes, he might have regretted that decision as Verbruggen’s poor pass aimed at Baleba led to an early mistake.
Iwobi seized the opportunity beautifully, slotting the ball into an open net with Verbruggen out of position.
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Dunk tried to intervene, ending up on the ground as Fulham supporters reveled in the moment, many still smirking at the previous mistakes.
Brighton appeared rattled, and Iwobi swiftly returned for another shot.
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This time, Dunk managed to block Iwobi’s effort.
Motivated to respond and evade their coach’s post-match critique, Brighton’s Joao Pedro challenged Bernd Leno with a precise strike from a tight angle.
Fulham nearly increased their lead moments later, but Rodrigo Muniz’s header from a corner was narrowly off target.
Brighton finally began showing some quality football on a pitch well-covered in rainwater.
Simon Adingra missed a clear chance with a handball but managed to make amends, curling a shot just over the bar against Antonee Robinson.
Fulham faced some pressure for a time, culminating in Sander Berge being booked for a late challenge on Pedro that nearly involved referee Peter Bankes.
Once more, Leno demonstrated his skills, preventing Adingra’s shot just as Brighton’s equalizer seemed likely, and the first half ended with Muniz heading another chance wide.
Emerging strongly in the second half, Fulham’s Harry Wilson sailed a volley wide following a powerful run, marking his first start of the season.
Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke sent a header over, and they finally leveled the score in the 55th minute through a stunning strike from Baleba.
Pedro’s exquisite flick from van Hecke’s long pass enabled Baleba to send a left-footed shot skimming along the ground past the outstretched Leno.
However, the match took another turn when O’Riley accidentally scored an own goal, redirecting the ball off his back from a corner.
In the dying moments, Iwobi put the game to rest as he fired in the third goal following a turn in the left side of the box.
