Roma 4-0 Brighton: Lamptey leads way in sorry set of ratings
Just in case you were in any doubt over how much of an abject failure the Albion’s Italian Job was, only two Brighton players scored a six or above in the player ratings from the 4-0 defeat to Roma.
Tariq Lamptey led the way with a very respectable score of seven. In amongst some seriously disappointing results in recent weeks, seeing a fit Lamptey robust enough to be starting regularly has been one of the few positives.
Then came Simon Adingra. After assisting both goals to help Ivory Coast win the AFCON Final as host nation, Adingra is fast becoming a player who looks comfortable on the biggest stages and the grandest occasions.
Whereas most of their teammates wilted in the face of the Stadio Olimpico, Adingra and Lamptey thrived. Here are your Roma 4-0 Brighton player ratings.
Jason Steele – 5.88
Has conceded seven goals in two games now yet there was little he could do about any of them. Two big saves from Romelu Lukaku headers prevented the scoreline being six rather than four.
Jan Paul van Hecke – 4.88
A rare off-night for Van Hecke, who has easily been the biggest breakout start of the season for Brighton. Will hope to get a better grip of Lukaku and Paulo Dybala at the Amex in the second leg.
Lewis Dunk – 4.00
So reliable for so many years, it was Sod’s law that Dunk was culpable for one if not two goals on one of the biggest nights in Albion history. Lost possession to Lukaku when he should have been putting the ball into the stands to gift Roma their second on the stroke of half time. Maybe should have done betting cutting out the through ball which sent Dybala racing clear for the opener.
Igor Julio – 4.00
The evidence is overwhelming that Brighton are shit playing a back three. Igor in particular struggles with it. That Lukaku header inside of three minutes saved by Steele came down his side of the pitch, just as the opening goal against Wolves last week did. Ditch the formation please, Mister De Zerbi.
TARIQ LAMPTEY – 7.00
Top spot in the Roma 4-0 Brighton player ratings is probably not something Lamptey will be rushing to put on his CV. Still, he deserves credit for an enterprising display down the right in which he frequently got into dangerous positions. Just a shame there was little support to make the most of those openings.
Pascal Gross – 5.63
Slow to start but it was telling that his best spell of the game led to Brighton coming as close as they managed to beating Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar.
Billy Gilmour – 5.88
The theory went that Gilmour’s recall to the starting XI whilst in the middle of a three game domestic ban would bring energy and impetus into the midfield. The theory proved wrong as Gilmour never really managed to get into it.
Simon Adingra – 6.38
A rare bright spark through the first half in particular. It was his effort deflected onto the post for a near-own goal by Roma defender Evan N’Dicka and he then provided the crosses for both headed chances Welbeck was unable to convert.
Facundo Buonanotte – 5.25
Some decent touches going forward but the defensive side of his game was found to be be lacking as he struggled to stay with Leonardo Spinazzola.
Julio Enciso – 4.25
Baffling to see some Albion fans writing him off when he was making only his second start after six months out with a meniscus injury. Yes, he looked off the pace, but what did anyone expect following such a lengthy layoff?
Danny Welbeck – 5.25
Two headers kept out by Svilar although if we’re being really critical, he might have put at least the second one out of reach of the Roma number one. Produced what would have been a fine finish in the second half if he were playing at the Stadio Olimpico in the Six Nations for Scotland against Italy rather than for Brighton against Roma.
Ansu Fati – 5.25
The on loan Barcelona forward has made his most telling contributions this season in Europe. Drew a save from Svilar within five minutes of his introduction but there was not much else to write home about.
Joel Veltman – 4.63
Veltman was introduced with around 15 minutes left with Roma 4-0 ahead as De Zerbi finally switched to a back four. By then, what was the point?
Pervis Estupinan – 4.63
Estupinan was introduced with around 15 minutes left with Roma 4-0 ahead as De Zerbi finally switched to a back four. By then, what was the point?
Carlos Baleba – 4.75
Another 10 minute cameo for the teenager. De Zerbi talks about how Baleba is not ready yet – and then passes up opportunities in games which are dead to get him on the pitch to pick up experience. Baffling.
Evan Ferguson – 4.63
The final substitution made by Brighton. Don’t even know if he touched the ball to be honest.
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.
