Brighton have been fulfilling a role Leicester once enjoyed, that of progressive provincial power unearthing talent the elite clubs covet. In the week Leandro Trossard joined Arsenal, Leicester, kicking off two points above the relegation zone, were the cautionary tale of what happens after the tap of talent runs dry after prime cuts are carved off.
Goals from a dependable veteran in Marc Albrighton and Harvey Barnes, a talented player who had lately lost his way, looked to have relieved the pressure on Brendan Rodgers, against whom the Leicester public’s doubts have been growing. “It should have been a win,” he said. “What we had was a spirit and a mentality. I think the supporters would have seen that.”
A failure to add to Kaoru Mitoma’s blistering first-half goal had seen the return of the hesitancy in front of goal that previously hobbled Brighton. Though in Evan Ferguson, the Irish teenage substitute scoring their late equaliser with a powerful, well-directed header from Pervis Estupiñán’s cross, they look to have that problem’s solution.
A third goal for the Dubliner after his first on New Year’s Eve against Arsenal was the latest demonstration of his abilities, aerial prowess added to the awareness and support play of last week’s destruction of Liverpool.
- Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'.
- If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.
- In the Guardian app, tap the Menu button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon), then Notifications.
- Turn on sport notifications.
Danny Welbeck had been selected ahead of him. “He’s 18 and I have to pay particular attention with him,” said Roberto De Zerbi, the Brighton manager. “Welbeck played well. I want to help Ferguson grow up without too much pressure.”
“I am just trying my best and when I get the chance from the gaffer,” said the modest young saviour. “It seems to be going well at the minute.”
Missing James Maddison cannot be the full reason for four consecutive Premier League defeats, but he was named on the Leicester bench to wide relief. Though he drilled a late free-kick into the wall, his presence after coming on in the 69th minute appeared to flush home fans with confidence. “It’s great to have that quality, someone to put their foot on the ball,” said Rodgers.
With both teams favouring the quick counter as their most potent means of attack, it made for a cautious start. Jamie Vardy was bogged down in running battles with Lewis Dunk. From Barnes’s early pass he was noticeably leaden.
Meanwhile, Brighton wingers Solly March and Mitoma were not granted anything like the space of seven days previously by Liverpool but then Estupiñán sprayed the ball wide and after cutting beyond Thomas Castagne, Mitoma lashed a right-foot shot beyond Danny Ward, brilliance seized on a momentary lapse of concentration. “We give the ball away cheaply too often for me,” said Rodgers. “You play at this level you have to have pride with the ball.”
Leicester had fallen prey to what they had been trying to prevent and soon lost Dennis Praet to injury. On came Albrighton, the old dependable making an immediate impact with his equaliser after Robert Sánchez had made saves from Barnes and Youri Tielemans. “It was important to stop the rot,” Albrighton said. “Just disappointing to concede so late on.”
The second half began in rancour, Brighton aghast they were not awarded a penalty when Luke Thomas looked to trip Welbeck. Instead, De Zerbi was booked for his touchline loss of temper. Then came bemusement as, after Mitoma had laid him up, March stumbled in missing an open goal.
How Leicester rode out their let-off. Thomas flicked on a corner; Barnes volleyed home for a lead against the run of play but testament to a talent that until recently had suitors chasing him as they currently do Brighton players.
Brighton pushed hard for their equaliser with Ferguson replacing Welbeck. March had an angled shot saved by Danny Ward as Wout Faes led the defensive effort. Ward then saved well from Alexis Mac Allister.
But when Estupiñán’s cross came in, Ferguson powered home, his run towards the ball bisecting two defenders. “A fantastic player,” cooed Rodgers. It may not be long until the elite comes knocking for him.
