Brighton 3–3 Brentford: Amex thriller leaves European contenders indistinguishable.
A remarkable 3-3 draw between Brighton and Brentford saw the Seagulls come from behind three times to snag a well-earned point.
Until Alexis Mac Allister equalized with a minute left in regulation after Aaron Hickey was given a penalty for handball following a VAR review, the visitors appeared to be heading to a tough road victory. Both teams go up in the standings, passing Liverpool, who drops to eighth.
That was a fitting conclusion to a thrilling game that saw four goals scored in the opening 28 minutes. Pontus Jansson gave Brentford the lead with a header before Karou Mitoma, who received a brilliant assist from goalkeeper Jason Steele, lobbed the Seagulls to draw even. However, the leveling only lasted a minute as Ivan Toney put the visitors in front before Danny Welbeck headed in a second equalizer.
Ethan Pinnock's goal shortly after the break gave Brentford hope of a top-four push, but Brighton persisted and were rewarded when Mac Allister converted from the penalty spot while maintaining composure.
Every outfield starting player registered at least two shots on goal for the home team, who totaled an astonishing 33 attempts. Yet, despite generating a total predicted goals figure of 4.55, they were unable to defeat tenacious Brentford.
However, if Manchester City, Manchester United, or Brighton win the FA Cup and place in the top five, their place in the Europa League for winning the competition will be given to the Premier League team that finishes sixth but does not advance to Europe.
In a similar vein, Man Utd's Europa Conference League qualification slot from that competition will go to the next highest Premier League finisher without playing in Europe, or seventh place, as they won the Carabao Cup and are set to finish in the top five.