West Ham 2 Brighton and Hove Albion 2: Arnautovic double rescues point

West Ham had Marko Arnautovic to thank as he inspired it to a 2-2 comeback draw with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Published : Jan 03, 2019 09:24 IST

Marko Arnautovic celebrates
Marko Arnautovic celebrates
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Marko Arnautovic celebrates

Marko Arnautovic scored twice in two minutes as West Ham came from behind to secure a 2-2 Premier League draw with Brighton and Hove Albion.

An impotent West Ham United display looked set to be punished midway through the second half, when quickfire goals from Dale Stephens and Shane Duffy put Brighton in control.

But Manuel Pellegrini's side responded well and, after scoring his first goal since November 3 to haul the host back into the contest, Arnautovic levelled proceedings in the 68th minute.

Michail Antonio and Declan Rice almost completed the turnaround in the closing stages, but Brighton held firm to frustrate its hosts.

Martin Montoya's error gifted West Ham its first chance, but Felipe Anderson snatched at his first-time strike, while Lewis Dunk was perhaps fortunate that his clumsy challenge on Arnautovic did not lead to a penalty prior to the break.

But it was the visitor which struck first – Stephens hammering in on the half-volley after West Ham failed to clear a corner.

West Ham's misery was compounded two minutes later, its set-piece frailties again haunting it when Duffy escaped his marker before expertly turning home.

Duffy was helpless to prevent Arnautovic pulling one back with a neat finish soon after, however, and the comeback was complete two minutes later.

Having left Brighton's defence in his wake, Antonio managed to turn a cut-back into Arnautovic, who prodded in off the bar, with the goal standing despite the visitor's protestations that the ball had gone over the line.

Antonio almost turned the hero late on, only to lash over from close range before Rice hit the side netting as West Ham had to settle for a share of the spoils.

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