Leeds 0-1 Brighton: Ben White free to top the Albion ratings in win at Leeds
When The Leeds United fans spent the entire summer telling us how much Ben White loved playing at Elland Road, they were not wrong – the defender proved it by topping the Brighton player ratings in the Albion’s 0-1 win over the 1992 Division One champions.
White was the outstanding player in an outstanding Brighton performance. Many Seagulls supporters – ourselves included – questioned Graham Potter’s sanity when the starting XI was revealed and White had been selected to play in midfield ahead of Yves Bissouma.
There is a reason that Potter is a highly paid Premier League manager and we watch games sat on a sofa with a box of San Miguel for comfort. White epitomised that with a dynamic display against the side he spent last season on loan with.
Before the 0-1 win over The Leeds United, no Brighton player had scored over 8 in the WAB player ratings since the 3-2 defeat at home to Manchester United 16 Premier League matches ago.
Not only did White right that wrong, but so too did Alexis Mac Allister, Lewis Dunk and Neal Maupay, highlighting what an excellent afternoon this was.
That fact is further reinforced by only one player in the starting line up scoring below a 7 – something which again has not happened since that September game against United.
The owner of that questionably low mark was Dan Burn, which was almost certainly a result of him taking over from Maty Ryan as the boo boys new favourite rather than his performance on the day against Leeds.
Overall, the WAB player ratings for The Leeds United 0-1 Brighton are a much happier set of scores than we have seen for many months. And here they are…
Robert Sanchez – 7.54
Brighton were so solid that the young goalkeeper did not have a save of any note to make. His main contribution was to venture into brave areas to collect any aerial ball pumped into his box which he did with ease. A dominating showing which helped relieve the pressure on a defence that has struggled against crosses so far this season.
Adam Webster – 7.92
Excellent at the back and this was arguably his most productive game of the season in terms of stepping out of defence with the ball at his feet as well. One day, he is going to come charging forward and score the best goal in Brighton history.
Lewis Dunk – 8.04
His highest player rating of the season so far. Made several trademark blocks, fought for every ball and led the defence to a rare clean sheet. You could see what it meant to him at the final whistle when he celebrated as if he had just won the World Cup, not beaten The Leeds United 1-0.
Dan Burn – 6.58
Some Brighton fans still have an agenda with Big Dan Burn as he was worthy of more than a 6.58. His height helped deal with crosses and the new tactic of sending him up front to win headers from Sanchez’s goal kicks was a clever ploy that got Brighton further up the field.
Joel Veltman – 7.83
His best performance at right wing back. Defensively, he did everything that he needed to do as The Leeds United looked to break down the Albion’s right and going forward, he looked like Cafu at times as he skipped and tricked his way deep into home territory.
BEN WHITE – 8.50
Ran the show in midfield. He knew exactly how The Leeds United would play and frequently broke up their attacks. Always wanted the ball, kept possession ticking over and played a part in the goal with a driving run into the Peacocks’ half before finding Mac Allister who did the rest.
Pascal Gross – 7.00
Used as a central midfielder rather than a number 10 and that was a decision that paid off handsomely for Potter. His gorgeous around the corner touch found White to start the move which led to Maupay’s goal.
Solly March – 7.04
A quieter display than we are used to from the left wing back compared to the high standards he has set himself this season, probably because the Elland Road surface resembled a World War I battlefield. He still delivered some dangerous balls into the box and played an important part defensively.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8.38
It has taken a while, but the Argentinian playmaker has finally started thriving in the Premier League. Most Brighton players would have opted for a sideways pass rather than the one-two he played with Leandro Trossard which worked the opportunity for the goal. He was always looking to create something and get the Albion on the front foot, proving again that he thrives in a team who want to move the ball quickly rather than having a possession obsession.
Leandro Trossard – 7.25
Perfectly executed return pass in the one-two with Mac Allister was the highlight of his afternoon. Denied by the crossbar when Luke Ayling deflected his first half effort onto the woodwork and was just inches away with a shot from outside the box which whistled over in the second half. Like Mac Allister, Trossard is another player who looks better when Brighton adopt a pragmatic approach.
Neal Maupay – 8.04
Loves playing against The Leeds United – his goal win was his fourth in five games against the Peacock and helped him to put his highest player ratings score on the board since the 3-0 win at Newcastle United in September. His work rate and lively showing up top did not give the home defence a seconds respite. That spell in the autumn when he could not score for love nor money and was dropped for disciplinary reasons for the trip to Tottenham Hotspur seems a long time ago now.
Yves Bissouma – 6.54
It came as something of a surprise to see Brighton’s best midfielder this season only named on the bench on his return from suspension. Took over from Mac Allister for the last 25 minutes as Potter sacrificed a number 10 for Bissouma’s more defence-minded skillset and it worked as he made some important interventions in that nerve-shredding finale.
Percy Tau – 5.33
After two strong performances, this was a reminder that he is still raw when it comes to the Premier League. Gave possession away with his first three attempts at passing with some laying the blame on the pitch. One promising run saw him sensibly take the ball into the corner in the final few minutes.
The WAB Player Ratings are formulated using marks out of 10 given by Brighton fans via Twitter. To have your scores included, follow We Are Brighton on Twitter and look out for the player rating thread after each game.
