London: Christian Eriksen’s 88th minute goal finally broke Brighton and Hove Albion’s brave resistance Tuesday to give Tottenham Hotspur a precious 1-0 victory in their quest for a top four finish in the Premier League. If they finish in the top four, they will automatically qualify for the Champions League again for the second successive time, next season.
Until the Danish playmaker’s low shot from just outside the penalty area whizzed across the lush turf and past Mat Ryan, it seemed Brighton had withstood a second half siege and would escape with a priceless point in their relegation battle.
Chris Hughton’s side erected a green wall in front of Tottenham for more or less the entire game, leaving the home fans groaning in frustration — none more so than when Toby Alderweireld’s shot with 20 minutes remaining hit the inside of the post and rolled across the face of goal.
In his desperation, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino even sent on outcast Dutch striker Vincent Janssen in the 80th minute for his first action of the season.
But in the end it was Eriksen who punctured Brighton’s armour from Tottenham’s 29th goal attempt — 21 of which were from outside the penalty area. It secured a fourth win from four matches in all competitions for Tottenham inside their magnificent new stadium and more importantly it lifted them three points above fourth-placed Chelsea with three games to go.
“I had a few warm-up shots before the goal. I hit it well and saw it fly in,” Eriksen told ‘Sky Sports’ after the game. “It is a very, very good feeling, a tough game, a lot of chances, they sat deep, it is difficult to play against 10 or 11 in the box. We saw the other results so we knew what was at stake. To stay in our place we had to win, there was no other option,” he added.