VAN HECKE OWN GOAL HAS SPURS IN SECOND

BRIGHTON defender Jan Paul van Hecke scored a late own goal as Tottenham battled back from two down to salvage a draw.

- BY ED ELLIOT

Spurs looked destined to suffer a first topflight away defeat since the summer appointment of Thomas Frank following firsthalf finishes from Seagulls pair Yankuba Minteh and Yasin Ayari.

But Richarlison's scrappy goal on the stroke of halftime halved the deficit before Van Hecke diverted the ball past Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen eight minutes from time, after the introduction of Xavi Simons gave the away side greater attacking threat.

A 10th point from five league fixtures under Frank lifts the Europa League holders into second spot.

Frank said: "It was potentially our best performance of the season. We dominated more or less throughout the game.

"The mentality, the physical aspect I thought was key. If there should have been a winner, I think it should have been us."