Brentford 2-0 Brighton: Ecuadorian ensemble lead player ratings
On a disappointing night at the Gtech Stadium, it was the Albion’s Ecuadorian ensemble who led the way in the Brentford 2-0 Brighton player ratings.
Moises Caicedo and Pervis Estupinan were the only two players to score more than 6.00 for their efforts against the Bees. Which made it particularly odd that Roberto De Zebri withdrew Estupinan at half time.
The ratings otherwise reflect the Albion’s struggles at both ends of the pitch. Ivan Toney scored twice, giving Joel Veltman and Adam Webster in particular a torrid time of it.
David Raya in the Bees goal meanwhile kept out everything that Brighton could throw at him. He made excellent saves from Veltman and Caicedo.
Raya also denied Danny Welbeck and Solly March although there is a very strong argument that those two should have done far better with the chances that came their way.
Here are your player ratings from Brentford 2-0 Brighton.
Robert Sanchez – 5.33
Nothing he could do about either of the goals. The way De Zerbi wants to play is going to see Sanchez spend a lot more time with the ball at his feet, playing short passes. He needs to become better at it as every match so far seems to have featured a very hairy moment which he was lucky to escape from.
Joel Veltman – 4.83
Brentford 2-0 Brighton is the first time in Veltman’s Albion career that he has come bottom in the player ratings. Normally calm and dependable, he must have eaten a really hot chili or something before the game as he was seriously fired up. Too fired up actually, as spats with everyone ranging from Toney to Thomas Frank gave way to a poor foul conceding the penalty for the Bee’s second goal.
Lewis Dunk – 6.00
The only Brighton defender who seemed to have a vague idea of how to cope with Toney. Posed a set piece threat at the other end with one second half header from a corner.
Adam Webster – 5.00
Another struggle in what is proving to be a testing few weeks. Never really got to grips with Toney, as evidenced when the Brentford striker stuck the ball through his legs with a back heel for the opener. Sloppy in possession at times as a result of being far too casual, just like Sanchez.
Pervis Estupinan – 6.17
Showed the attacking threat he poses with some enterprising runs and dangerous crosses when bombing forward from left back during the first half. It was a bit surprising to see him hauled at the break as he had been one of the Albion’s better players up to that point.
Solly March – 5.33
Does so much good during build up and in terms of creating chances, only to let himself down with his finishing. Generally had a decent game in Brentford 2-0 Brighton but once again achieves ratings reflective of the fact he missed a header from point blank range which should have beaten Raya.
MOISES CAICEDO – 6.50
A busy presence in midfield, doing well to turn over possession and try and get the Albion on the front foot. Had his first half piledriver from 30 yards not been spectacularly tipped over at full stretch by Raya, then who knows how different things might have turned out.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5.83
Brighton Player of the Season before the three week break enforced by the Queen’s passing, train strikes and internationals. He has been pretty anonymous since returning from Argentina duty. Is he reigning it in with the World Cup just a month away, where his nation are one of the favourites to win the tournament?
Leandro Trossard – 5.17
Time to bring comparisons to Paul Brooker out again? Winter is fast approaching and Trossard has gone into hibernation since his sensational hat-trick away at Liverpool. When he doesn’t play well, neither do Brighton.
Pascal Gross – 5.50
Just like with Trossard and Mac Allister, Brighton need Gross to perform if they are to be at their best. And just like Trossard and Mac Allister, he struggled against Brentford. One nice Gross Turn and some clever things on the edge of the Brentford box but was unable to create any real clearcut openings.
Danny Welbeck – 5.00
It seems like a lifetime ago we wrote about how it didn’t matter that Welbeck wasn’t scoring because of everything else he brought to the team. Those other attributes were lacking slightly at the Gtech Stadium and when that happens, the Albion do need him to find the back of the net. Squandered one good header in particular to open his account for the season.
Kaoru Mitoma – 5.67
Introduced at half time in place of Estupinan. His longest run out in the Premier League so far was arguably his least effective of the season. Was the victim of a heavy tackle late on and apparently left the Gtech on crutches. A serious blow for the Albion if he is now on the shelf.
Adam Lallana – 5.33
Bounced some decent passes around and came close with a late header. When Brighton are chasing a game, he has not been able to change the course overly this season.
Deniz Undav – 5.00
Made very little impact. It is hard to judge him when he has been given so few minutes in the Premier League.
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.
