Brighton 1-1 Fulham: Webster and Lallana lead ratings on recalls
For the criticism which has come the way of Roberto De Zebi for deploying such heavy rotation of his Brighton squad these past few months, it was two recalled players who shone in the player ratings as the Albion drew 1-1 with Fulham at the Amex.
Adam Webster gave comfortably his best performance of the season so far as De Zerbi switched to a back three for the first time in over a year.
At the other end of the pitch, Adam Lallana reminded everyone of the quality he still possesses with a silky showing behind Evan Ferguson.
Whilst the final score represented a frustrating result for the Albion, no player other than substitute Facundo Buonanotte scored below a six in the Brighton 1-1 Fulham ratings.
A sign perhaps that the team performance – other than the obvious problem of too many chances being squandered – was better than the Seagulls have been given credit for?
Jason Steele – 6.75
Made a very important reaction save from Rodrigo Muniz shortly after Fulham equalised. Some Brighton fans have questioned whether he could have done better with the goal, but blame is surely better apportioned to a combination of Pascal Gross and Carlos Baleba for losing possession and Lewis Dunk for sitting off Joao Palhinha.
ADAM WEBSTER – 7.25
Webster finishing joint top of the Brighton 1-1 Fulham ratings is evidence that he is much better suited to playing in a back three than a four. Some vital interceptions, looked more comfortable in possession than normal and would have scored a winning goal were it not for a brilliant clearance of the line by Antonee Robinson.
Lewis Dunk – 7.00
After years of trying, he almost scored from a direct free kick with an early second half effort which clipped the top of the bar. Generally solid at the back, although he could have got tighter to Palhiinha before the Cottagers midfielder levelled the game.
Igor Julio – 6.50
Had a decent afternoon defensively but looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights whenever asked to push forward – summed up in wonderful style with his right footed volley in the closing stages which veered off at a ridiculous angle towards the East Stand.
Simon Adingra – 6.13
A really good opportunity inside the opening seven minutes at the back post lacked the required power to beat Bernd Leno, who instead saved with his legs. Struggled to get into the game at times from right wing back.
Mahmoud Dahoud – 6.38
Slowly starting to show what he can bring to the party other than having a fantastically thick head of hair. One clever first half back heel would have been a candidate for assist of the season had Kaoru Mitoma beaten Leno rather than dragging wide.
Carlos Baleba – 6.75
It certainly is not dull when the £25 million summer signing from Lille is on the pitch. Some incredibly wayward finishing mixed in with a couple of superb turnovers of possession. Needed to be more alert to what Gross was doing just before Fulham won the ball for the equaliser.
Kaoru Mitoma – 6.38
Playing as a wing back seemed to blunt his normal effectiveness going forward. One of those rare days were he was unable to either cut inside and cause problems or get to the by-line.
Pascal Gross – 6.25
Threaded a delightful ball into Evan Ferguson for the Brighton goal. Gross went onto be culpable for Fulham equalising, which was particularly harsh given he was the player elbowed in the face when Palhinha should have been sent off in the first half.
ADAM LALLANA – 7.25
When Lallana is in this sort of mood, he is a joy to watch. Glided effortlessly around numerous pink shirts in the first half, being the instigator of a significant number of the 18 shooting chances the Albion racked up.
Evan Ferguson – 6.63
A classy first touch and finish guided the ball beyond Leno and into the bottom corner. Had a good chance to double the lead just before the break which he was unable to take, Leno instead winning that battle by smothering the effort.
Ansu Fati – 6.00
Came on as a central striker and caused a few problems. Leno used his legs to deny Fati a winner whilst there was one ridiculous attempt at an overhead kick which ended with him lying in a heap in the box as Fulham easily intercepted the cross and broke up the other end.
Joel Veltman – 6.25
His introduction came in immediate response to the Cottagers enjoying a brief period of dominance following the equaliser. Needless to say, it did not last long once Veltman was introduced.
Billy Gilmour – 6.38
Brought industry into midfield and tried to make things happen, helping the Albion get back onto the front foot.
Facundo Buonanotte – 5.50
Missed a late chance which has done nothing to ease his position as the boo boys’ current favourite. A reminder that he is only 18-years-old.
Joao Pedro – 6.50
Controversial that Pedro was the final substitute to be introduced given he has looked a real goal threat in recent weeks.
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.
