Brighton 3-0 Newcastle: Lallana and Trossard top ratings in Toon trouncing

What is it about facing Newcastle United that makes the Albion turn into prime Barcelona? After winning 3-0 at St James’ Park back in September, Brighton turned in another sensational performance against Newcastle to win by the same scoreline at the Amex and secure some of the highest player ratings of the season.

In what was an excellent team performance, three men stood out. Nothing could separate Adam Lallana and Leandro Trossard at the top of the standings, meaning that Lallana becomes the first player to be rated number one in three consecutive games following his efforts against Leicester City and Southampton.

Just behind those two came Danny Welbeck who is finally getting the opportunity to show his quality now he is fit and playing. The difference that an injury-free Lallana and Welbeck are making to this Brighton is clear for all to see.

As for the rest, nobody in the starting XI registered a score lower than eight other than Robert Sanchez. Quite feasibly, the goalkeeper could have been given a zero in light of the fact that he had nothing to do due to how dominant the Albion were.

It was a pleasing evening and one which could go a long way towards securing Premier League football for 2021-22. Here are your player ratings for Brighton 3-0 Newcastle.

Robert Sanchez – 7.48
Ryan Fraser hit his post early in the second half but other than that, he was less totally unemployed. The fact he made more successful passes than any Newcastle player highlighted how good Brighton were.

Ben White – 8.07
One of those games which allowed him to show his talents at stepping out of defence in possession. One charge up the field created an opportunity for Jakub Moder inside the first five minutes which set the tone for what was to come.

Lewis Dunk – 8.14
Had very little to do defensively so spent most of his time stroking the ball around and looking to start attacking moves.

Joel Veltman – 8.10
Lined up on the left of the back three, just like in the second half of last week’s 2-1 win at Southampton. Claimed an assist from his new role with a beautiful long ball to Trossard for the Albion opener. A class act wherever he plays.

Pascal Gross – 8.52
When Graham Potter stuck the German playmaker at right wing back against Southampton, it appeared barking mad. Not anymore. Two second half assists against Newcastle make it now look like a masterstroke with the Gross Turn and low sweeping cross for Neal Maupay’s goal being something truly beautiful.

ADAM LALLANA – 8.97
Shades of Vicente these past three weeks as a player who, when fit, is clearly on a different planet ability-wise to anyone else Brighton have. He sees things nobody else can and is a born leader with his vocal encouragement and experience clearly helping one of the youngest squads in the Premier League.

Yves Bissouma – 8.41
Had become a bit of a peripheral figure since mid-February when his agent announced that Arsenal had been in contact. This was a welcome return to his first half of the season form, a dominating midfield display in which he covered plenty of ground and made correct decisions every time he had the ball.

Jakub Moder – 8.34
It was something of a surprise to see him given his full Premier League debut at left wing back, a position he has seemingly never played in his life before. Not that it mattered; the Pole took it all in his stride. An encouraging first start, albeit one he probably should have marked with a goal as three good opportunities were squandered… so he looks like he fits right in.

LEANDRDO TROSSARD – 8.97
Joins Lallana at the top of the Brighton 3-0 Newcastle player ratings thanks to his best performance in months. Loved breaking into the central spaces created by Maupay and Welbeck playing so wide and scored an outrageous distance goal from one such position. This was proof that he can be a genuine match winner on his day, something Brighton need to see more of – and probably will now Spring is here.

Neal Maupay – 8.55
Finally, a rating that reflects what Maupay brings to the party. Yes, he scored and yes, he missed some good chances. But his game is about so much more than goals as he showed by stretching the Newcastle defence this way and that when drifting out wide. An intelligent display from a clever player.

Danny Welbeck – 8.90
Has spent most of his career as a left-sided forward who likes to drift in from wide positions. Potter gave him that role against Newcastle and Steve Bruce could find no answer to it. The cherry on the cake came with a wonderful goal from outside the area after cutting inside and he also played a part in the third by winning possession back and feeding Gross.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7.21
Your WeAreBrighton.com January 2021 Player of the Month could consider himself a tad unlucky to have lost his place in recent weeks. The form of Lallana, Gross and Trossard means he seems unlikely to get it back anytime soon. Replaced Trossard in the closing stages but the game was already won and the Albion’s foot off the pedal.

Andi Zeqiri – 7.17
Many Brighton fans thought he might have started at left wing back. Potter’s selection of Moder there though was justified with Zeqiri having to make do with a late cameo role.

Davy Propper – 7.07
The Handsome Dutchman was afforded a few minutes at the end as his frustrating season in terms of game time continued.

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.