Brighton’s difficulties against Fulham are well-documented.

Alex Iwobi scored twice as a mistake from Bart Verbruggen and a late own goal from Matt O’Riley spelled disaster for Brighton, with coach Fabian Hurzeler observing from the stands due to a ban on pitchside activity.

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Carlos Baleba managed an impressive equalizer for Brighton, but they still find themselves winless against Fulham across their last nine meetings in the Premier League.

A win could have brought Brighton level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City, yet they remain outside the top ranks.

Hurzeler had been removed from the technical area after incidents in a recent 1-1 draw against Southampton.

Southampton’s manager, Russell Martin, voiced his dissatisfaction, resulting in a confrontation between the two.

Lewis Dunk made his return to the squad after a significant absence, prompting Hurzeler to set up a three-man defense to accommodate the captain.

However, he likely regretted that choice moments later when Verbruggen made a crucial error with a misplaced pass towards Baleba.

Iwobi seized upon this mistake, finding an open net with Verbruggen out of position.

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Dunk attempted to salvage the situation but ended up sprawling as Fulham fans celebrated, with some still chuckling at the earlier mistakes.

Brighton appeared shaken, and Iwobi quickly returned for another attempt.

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This time, Dunk succeeded in blocking Iwobi’s attempt.

Desperate to respond and avoid post-match criticism from their coach, Brighton’s Joao Pedro tested Bernd Leno with a well-placed shot from a tight angle.

Fulham almost extended their lead immediately after, but Rodrigo Muniz’s corner-header was narrowly off target.

Brighton finally started to show some promising football, benefitting from the rain-soaked pitch.

Simon Adingra initially lost a good chance due to a handball but soon made amends, curling a shot just over against Antonee Robinson.

Fulham found themselves under pressure for a brief stint, leading to Sander Berge receiving a yellow card for a late challenge on Pedro that nearly caught referee Peter Bankes off-guard.

Once again, Leno proved crucial, saving Adingra’s shot just as Brighton looked poised to equalize, with the first half ending with Muniz heading yet another chance wide.

Emerging strongly in the second half, Fulham’s Harry Wilson volleyed wide after a breakthrough, marking his first start of the season.

Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke missed with a header, but they finally found the back of the net in the 55th minute thanks to a brilliant goal from Baleba.

Pedro’s flick from van Hecke’s long ball was exquisite, and Baleba’s left-footed shot skimmed along the turf past a helpless Leno.

However, the game took an unfortunate turn for O’Riley, who inadvertently deflected a corner into his own net.

With only three minutes remaining, Iwobi claimed his team’s third goal with a powerful shot from the left side of the box.