Summary:
- Charalampos Kostoulas scored a spectacular stoppage-time overhead kick to rescue a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.
- Bournemouth had a controversial penalty, as VAR overturned an initial simulation call on Amine Adli.
- Brighton ruled over the second half, and the equaliser showed their determination.
Brighton needed something special to avoid another frustrating home defeat in the Premier League, and they got it in the most dramatic way possible.
Deep into stoppage time at the Amex Stadium, Charalampos Kostoulas produced a moment that stopped the ground cold, then sent it into rapture. The 18-year-old met a dropping ball, cushioned it on his chest, and fired an overhead kick into the top corner to earn a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.
The £30 Million Finish
The finish felt worth every penny of the £30 million that Brighton paid Olympiacos just over a year ago. The goal also properly matched the game’s overall balance.
Brighton had taken control after the break, pushing Bournemouth deeper and deeper, and the equaliser felt earned even if the method was extraordinary.
Bournemouth had been the sharper side in the first half and went ahead through Marcus Tavernier, but the goal was never going to pass without debate.
The penalty that led to it came after a VAR review overturned an initial decision from referee Paul Tierney. Amine Adli had been booked for simulation after going down following contact from Bart Verbruggen, only for the yellow card to be rescinded once VAR judged there was enough contact to award a foul.
According to the Premier League Match Centre, the decision was changed due to “foul contact”. Tavernier stepped up and calmly rolled the ball into the bottom left corner. After that, Bournemouth retreated, inviting pressure, and once again struggled to protect a lead.
Different Opinions on Controversial Penalty Kick
Both managers saw the incident very differently. Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler was clear in his disagreement.
No [didn’t agree with penalty decision]. It is difficult to speak to referees. I think they always have their own opinion. They made a decision and we have to accept it, although we don’t agree. For me, it is not a penalty. A touch and a contact is not enough; that is what they said to us before the season.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola felt the call was justified.
As soon as I saw the replay… Verbruggen also raises his leg a lot and contacts Amine. So I expected the decision
Pundits were equally split. Thierry Henry was firm in his view.
It is a penalty. Regardless on if he can get it or not, it is still in play… it could’ve been avoided.
Jamie Carragher added that modern interpretation played a role, saying,
These type of penalties would not have been given maybe 10 years ago.
The draw left Brighton on the 12th position while Bournemouth currently ranks 15th.
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