Mohammed Kudus Equalizer Secures West Ham a Point

Mohammed Kudus scored his third Premier League goal of the season as West Ham rallied to secure a 1-1 draw against Brighton at the London Stadium. The match, marked by emotional tributes and tense moments saw both teams struggle for a decisive edge. Brighton opened the scoring early in the second half when Mats Wieffer netted his first goal for the club. After Pervis Estupinan’s cross caused chaos in the box, Wieffer capitalized on a partial clearance from Lukasz Fabianski, firing home from close range.

West Ham responded seven minutes later with Jarrod Bowen’s shot parried by Bart Verbruggen allowing Mohammed Kudus to head in the rebound. Kudus celebrated uniquely, sitting on a Ghanaian stool shaped like an elephant, a nod to his heritage. The first half was subdued, overshadowed by a tribute to academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, who passed away at 15 and personal losses in the West Ham camp. Chances were rare with Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma testing Fabianski in the best opportunity.

Both teams had chances to clinch victory late on. Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh set up Mitoma, who hit the post from close range while West Ham found more rhythm after Niclas Fullkrug’s substitution. Fullkrug, making his first Premier League start, struggled to make an impact with only two aerial duels won and a single off-target shot. Brighton extended their winless run to five games, missing key chances and lacking a clinical edge in the absence of Danny Welbeck.

Despite controlling large spells, the Seagulls were wasteful in front of goal with Mitoma, Evan Ferguson and Joao Pedro unable to convert opportunities. The draw left both teams with mixed emotions as West Ham demonstrated resilience while Brighton lamented their missed opportunities in a match they might have won.