Brighton 0-0 Brentford: Dutch defensive duo top player ratings
A rare clean sheet for Brighton in their 0-0 draw at home to Brentford leave the Albion’s Dutch defensive duo joint top of the player ratings.
Joel Veltman and Jan Paul van Hecke both played their part in helping Brighton to a first shutout since the 1-0 win at Newcastle United back in October.
Recording a clean sheet against the Bees was one of the few positives of an otherwise disappointing evening. Brentford arrived having picked up just one point on the road all season and with an injury crisis in their own defence.
Yet the Albion were unable to find a way through, making it six games without a victory. Five of those have been against opponents in the bottom half of the table.
Frustration subsequently boiled over a little at the full time whistle, meaning Brighton left the field to the sound of boos echoing around the Amex Stadium.
Here are your Brighton 0-0 Brentford player ratings.
Bart Verbruggen – 6.47
No goals conceded. His low mark comes from holding onto possession way too long and slowing the game down when Brighton might have otherwise looked to counter.
JOEL VELTMAN – 7.07
One of those nights where his usual shithousery was useful in stopping the Bees getting on the scoresheet. Combined with several important blocks and interceptions, it was enough to take Veltman joint-top of the Brighton 0-0 Brentford ratings.
JAN PAUL VAN HECKE – 7.07
A welcome return to form having not been at his best since throwing a hissy fit after being substituted away at Fulham. One flying block denied the visitors a winner which would have upped the anger at the full time whistle.
Lewis Dunk – 6.47
Has never been the quickest defender but it was worryingly noticeable just how slow he is when he attempted to chase down Yoane Wissa during the disallowed Brentford goal.
Pervis Estupinan – 5.87
Looks like a player badly need of a rest; something he seems unlikely to get any time soon with other left back options Jack Hinshelwood, Ferdi Kadioglu and James Milner all still injured.
Carlos Baleba – 6.93
One low shot was easily repelled by Mark Flekken. Covered plenty of ground in midfield and cut out some dangerous Brentford counters.
Matt O’Riley – 6.93
Offers more of an attacking threat than Yasin Ayari, making him the obvious selection to replace the injured Mats Wieffer in a game where Brighton were expecting to face defensively minded opponents. Mustered two shots during the first half, one of which looked set to go in before a Bees player just about deflected it wide.
Brajan Gruda – 6.87
Lots to be encouraged by as he showed a willingness to run at opponents. Perhaps needed a little more variety in approach as he cut inside on almost every occasion. Also managed to put a direct free kick on target, which is almost unheard of for a Brighton player.
Julio Enciso – 6.33
Wow. Eight shots alone in the first half included the overhead kick nearly sliced out for a throw and the effort he ran away to celebrate going in the second it left his foot, only for it to fly 20 yards wide. Box office entertainment; it is just up to individual Brighton fans to decide whether they liked it or not.
Kaoru Mitoma – 6.47
Another sublime piece of control was the highlight of Mitoma’s evening. Should have had an assist when his pinpoint cross was headed too close to Flekken by Enciso.
Joao Pedro – 5.27
Something is not right with the Brazilian forward at the minute. Spent almost as much time waving his arms at the crowd as he did on the ball. Was then fortunate to escape a red card when swinging an elbow at a Brentford player holding his shirt.
Yasin Ayari – 5.20
One of several bizarre substitutions made by Fabian Hurzeler. Only time he got into the game was when putting a shot into orbit from an offside position.
Simon Adingra – 4.87
Offered a rare opportunity to get minutes in his strongest position down the left flank after replacing Mitoma. Failed to take it.
Yankubu Minteh – 5.40
Needs to stop running down blind alleys and carrying the ball out of play. Still young and with plenty of time to develop but Gruda must now be ahead of him in the right wing pecking order.
Georginio Rutter – 4.67
No real impact from the bench.
Solly March – 6.27
A genuinely emotional moment when the whole Amex (or at least those who hadn’t left with 10 minutes remaining) welcomed him back after two knee surgeries and 14 months out. Almost had the fairy tale return too when a last-gasp chance fell to him on the edge of the box. Sadly, it was fired miles into the North Stand.
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.
