Kostoulas Spectacular Strike Salvages Brighton Draw Amid Penalty Dispute

Charalampos Kostoulas delivered an outstanding last-minute equaliser for Brighton, who managed to hold on for a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth despite Marcus Taverniers contentious penalty on Monday.

The young Greek player scored with an impressive overhead kick during added time at the Amex Stadium, following Bournemouths lead from Taverniers questionable first-half effort.

In the south-coast clash, Bournemouth went ahead when referee Paul Tierney reversed his initial booking of Amine Adli for simulation after a tangle with Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

VAR referee Jarred Gillett advised Tierney to review the on-pitch monitor, leading the official to withdraw the caution and grant a penalty, which Tavernier successfully dispatched.

Yet, as Bournemouth neared their first away victory in 10 outings across all competitions, the teenager Kostoulas stepped up with his second strike since joining from Olympiakos back in July.

Bournemouth have now shipped 12 goals in the closing 15 minutes of second halves, the highest tally in the Premier League so far this campaign.

The vital equaliser ensured Brighton stayed three points clear of Bournemouth in the mid-table positions.

"Its tough to address the officials decisions. They tend to stick to their views," remarked Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler regarding the spot-kick.

"Minimal contact should not warrant it, as the referees assured us at the seasons outset. Sometimes they overlook that, which we must simply acknowledge."

Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola commented: "Towards the end, it feels like the season is turning against us. We lack that crucial slice of fortune.

"They netted a stunning overhead kick into the top corner, resulting in just a share of the spoils.

"Its disappointing, given the immense work from the squad. They were utterly spent by the finish."

The visitors assumed control controversially in the 32nd minute.

Adli received an early yellow for going down under Verbruggens challenge in the box.

Nonetheless, after reviewing the monitor, Tierney cancelled the booking and penalised Verbruggens leg making contact with Adlis leg.

Outraged Brighton supporters jeered Tierney with cries that he was unfit for duty, yet Tavernier stayed composed and fired the penalty beyond Verbruggen.

Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma marked his 100th Premier League outing, becoming the third Japanese star to hit the mark after Maya Yoshida and Shinji Okazaki.

The 28-year-olds previous goal clinched a draw at Manchester City in their prior league fixture, and he nearly scored again with a curling shot that sailed just high early after the break.

Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk nodded wide from a promising position, while Yankuba Mintehs powerful shot was expertly stopped by Djordje Petrovic.

Still, Hurzelers side persisted and equalised right at the start of stoppage time.

Jan Paul van Heckes flick-on found Kostoulas, who controlled it on his chest before unleashing a superb bicycle kick from 10 yards to beat Petrovic.