Izquierdo leveller earns draw for Brighton against Stoke

Michael Graham

Brighton's Spanish midfielder Jose Izquierdo (C) is mobbed by celebrating team-mates after he scored a second equalising goal for 2-2 during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Stoke City at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on November 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Glyn KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

José Izquierdo struck a second-half equaliser as Brighton came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 home draw against Stoke.

Eric Choupo-Moting had given the Potters the lead in the first half, with Pascal Gross levelling for the home side. However, that joy was short-lived with Kurt Zouma heading Stoke back into the lead a minute later.

The second half was a cagier affair, but Izquierdo’s 60th-minute strike ensured the spoils were shared.

A surprisingly open game saw Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross have an early header tipped over by Mathew Ryan, before Brighton got into their stride.

Davy Propper’s through-ball sent Izquierdo haring clear only to curl his shot around Lee Grant but also wide of a post.

Brighton went close again when a Gross free-kick was met by the head of Propper, but the ball flew straight into the arms of Grant.

The hosts were in the ascendency, but suddenly found themselves behind in the 28th minute when Xherdan Shaqiri lifted a long ball into the area.

Lewis Dunk misjudged the flight, but Choupo-Moting read it perfectly, expertly bringing the ball down before sidefooting past Ryan.

It was the Cameroon forward’s third goal of the season, and his first since the brace which earned a 2-2 draw against Manchester United in September.

Brighton were then incensed when Shawcross tripped Glenn Murray in the box, only for referee Lee Mason to refuse them what looked a clear penalty.

Nevertheless, just before the interval Brighton hauled themselves level courtesy of a third goal of the season for Gross.

The impressive Propper tip-toed past four Stoke defenders before being forced out wide, from where he laid the ball back for Gross to smash through the legs of Grant.

But moments later Stoke retook the lead, Choupo-Moting heading Darren Fletcher’s corner back across goal for Zouma to nod home his first Potters goal.

However, Zouma was at fault when Brighton equalised for a second time on the hour mark, missing his header and allowing Murray to touch the ball through to Izquierdo.

The winger initially tried to cross the ball, but it bounced back off Kevin Wimmer, allowing Izquierdo to prod home from close range.

Peter Crouch came on for Stoke, setting a new Premier League record with his 143rd substitute appearance in the process, but he was unable to mark it with a winner.