Brighton 2-2 Leicester City: Van Nistelrooy´s side fight back to halt losing streak

Leicester City ended their Premier League losing streak and goal drought as they twice came from behind in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Brighton on Saturday.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side had lost their last eight games in the competition without scoring, but they showed tremendous fight to take a point from an entertaining contest at the American Express Stadium.

Joao Pedro broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 31st minute, after Conor Coady was penalised for handling Simon Adingra’s strike following a VAR review.

But Stephy Mavididi equalised seven minutes later, firing past Bart Verbruggen from a tight angle after his attempted cross deflected back into his path.

That ended Leicester’s 13-hour wait for a league goal, though they had to survive some nervous moments to reach half-time level, with Matt O’Riley missing a particularly clear chance for Brighton.

Joao Pedro restored the Seagulls’ lead with another spot-kick after 55 minutes following another VAR review, with Luke Thomas having dragged O’Riley to the turf.

Nevertheless, Caleb Okoli’s header from Bilal El Khannouss’ 74th-minute cross was enough to halt the Foxes’ losing run, and they even went close to a winner when El Khannouss hit the post with a curling strike in the 87th minute.

Despite an improved display, Leicester remain 19th and 14 points from safety with six games remaining, and their relegation could be confirmed before their next game.

Meanwhile, Fabian Hurzeler’s hosts stay ninth, six points off the top five.

Battling back to win a point#BHALEI pic.twitter.com/pPMnRNEhbm

— Leicester City (@LCFC) April 12, 2025

Data debrief: Joao Pedro’s penalty double not enough

Ending their losing streak in spirited fashion, Leicester have avoided defeat in a Premier League game for only the second time in 2025.

The Foxes had conceded 22 league goals without scoring prior to Mavididi’s equaliser; the second-longest run in the same Premier League campaign after Ipswich Town in April 1995 (27 consecutive goals conceded).

Joao Pedro took his tally for the season to 10 league goals, with only Glenn Murray (13 in 2018-19 and 12 in 2017-18) scoring more times for Brighton in a Premier League campaign.

Meanwhile, 15 of the Brazilian’s 30 goals for the Seagulls in all competitions have come via penalties, with only Mohamed Salah (18) scoring more among Premier League players since the start of last season.

However, it was not enough with Brighton now having dropped 20 points from winning positions this season, only ing more in the Premier League in 2020-21 (25).