Another feeble home defeat with four conceded in a second-half collapse and songs of ridicule emanating from the away end, and yet nothing could spoil this Tottenham party.
Ange Postecoglou’s team looked for all the world like they had not been to bed since winning the Europa League on Wednesday in Bilbao.
They took the lead with a Dominic Solanke penalty in an even first half before Brighton ripped them apart in the second.
Jack Hinshelwood scored twice, both coming via corners, a penalty converted by Matt O’Riley and a screamer in stoppage time from Diego Gomez, his first for the club.
None of which mattered to Spurs fans as Son Heung-min carried the Europa League trophy through a guard of honour formed by club legends and led his team on a lap of honour amid songs of celebration.
‘How do I assess the season? Outstanding,’ said Postecoglou. ‘We won a trophy which we haven’t done for 17 years and we’re in the Champions League.’
Jack Hinshelwood scored a brace for Brighton as they beat Spurs on the final day
Dominic Solanke opened the scoring for Spurs from the spot in the first-half against Brighton
Hinshelwood equalised for the visitors in the 51st minute, tucking in from another corner
Still, doubts swirl about his future, because Tottenham finished this injury-ravaged season in 17th place, with 22 defeats, equalling an all-time low, and just 38 points.
Chairman Daniel Levy issued a 309-word statement in the match programme, saluting the Europa League triumph and thanking Postecoglou among others for ‘making this incredible achievement possible’ but without clarifying his head coach’s future.
‘I’ll be honest, I’m finding it weird to be talking about my future when we’ve done something unprecedented,’ said Postecoglou.
‘I made decisions I felt gave us the best chance of achieving the goal we needed to achieve and that has affected our league form. If people don’t want to take that into account, then there is nothing I can say.
‘Part of me is thinking: Why am I being asked that question? I’ve done something no one believed I could do, and I shouldn’t be here sitting here talking about this but you guys wouldn’t be asking it if there wasn’t a doubt, right?
‘I can’t answer it. Other people can and from my perspective it doesn’t diminish the achievement.’
Ange Postecoglou’s team led through Solanke’s penalty – only to collapse in the second half
Matt O’Riley scored a late penalty as Brighton won to finish the season in eighth place
Brighton finished the season in eighth with 61 points, only one off their best tally. Results elsewhere meant it was not enough for a return to European competition, but Fabian Hurzeler was satisfied with his debut Premier League season.
‘It’s been a challenging season,’ said Huzeler. ‘I’m happy and proud of the way we performed. We never lost our playing style, we showed courage. We built the foundations and need to improve our consistency.’