Michael Owen explains why he is still so positive about Tottenham despite Brighton draw

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A draw may not be the result Spurs fans were hoping for against Brighton, but Michael Owen is focusing on the good parts.

After a hard-fought 90 minutes, there was nothing to split Brighton and Spurs.

It was a valiant comeback from Thomas Frank’s side after falling two behind, fighting their way to a point.

• READ MORE: How Ange Postecoglou convinced Lucas Bergvall to pick Tottenham over Barcelona

The goals Brighton scored are hard to be too angry about. One was a perfectly timed run in behind, and the other, a rocket from distance. The away side can say they were better on the day, but that won’t earn them an extra two points.

After the game, Owen gave his verdict on the Spurs performance.

Michael Owen happy with what he saw from Spurs against Brighton

As part of the Premier League live match coverage, Owen shared his thoughts on the afternoon’s action.

He’s not too put off by the dropped points, instead taking a glass-half-full stance.

He says: “Totally different style of play, different tactics [to Ange Postecoglou’s reign]. It looks like a much more functional team. They can defend pretty well, although you wouldn’t have said that in the first few minutes.

“Even when Brighton were a couple of goals ahead, I thought Spurs were playing alright. I think Spurs do deserve something from the game.”

Owen was particularly impressed by substitute Xavi Simons, who finally got a run in the 10 role.

“Xavi Simons was very good when he came on. The momentum keeps building for Spurs. They’re in a good place at the moment.”

A draw that very well could have been a loss. We’ll take it.

Xavi Simons belongs in the 10

Spurs were on top when play resumed after the break, but they didn’t have that creative spark to turn pressure into chances.

When Simons came on, that changed. He was a consistent outlet and a handful for Brighton, operating between the lines.

• READ MORE: Shay Given thinks Tottenham star ‘has to do better’ after watching him vs Brighton

Frank suggested Simons would be competing with Bergvall in that position, but his 30 minutes today make it clear he should be starting in his preferred position.

Being fair, he should have made more of one gilt-edged opportunity when the ball rolled to his feet in the centre of the box. But the finishing will come, and what we saw from the Dutchman today bodes very well for the season ahead.