Brighton 2-1 Bournemouth: Renaissance Webster tops ratings
Do you know what I have enjoyed most over February? The renaissance of Adam Webster. And it shows no sign of slowing as the centre back’s latest fine performance saw him top the player ratings in Brighton 2-1 Bournemouth.
The Cherries have been one of the best attacking teams in the Premier League so far this season. We saw why at the Amex. A fluid front four with lightning quick pace who stayed high and wanted goals.
That Bournemouth only managed one was testament to the job the Albion did defensively. Particularly Webster and Jan Paul van Hecke through the middle.
It also helped that Bart Verbruggen returned to the match winning form he had shown through September, October and November.
At the other end, Brighton took their chances when they came. Joao Pedro won and converted a penalty whilst Danny Welbeck made an instant impact from the bench, scoring the winner with a superb placed finish out of reach of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
All of whish resulted in a big three points leaving the Albion just a point off the Champions League places at the end of the night. Here are your Brighton 2-1 Bournemouth player ratings.
Bart Verbruggen – 8.00
His best game in months. Denied Antoine Semenyo with a strong hand in the first half and then spread himself brilliantly to foil Alex Scott after the break. Would have been a different outcome without either of those saves.
Tariq Lamptey – 6.33
His Brighton 2-1 Bournemouth player ratings score is a little harsh given he was tasked with marking the dangerous Semenyo. Did a good job at it too, although being forced to concentrate on defensive duties so much blunted him attacking wise.
Jan Paul van Hecke – 7.78
Rock solid other than a magnificent five minute spell during the first half when he scissor tackled a Bournemouth player in half after miss-controlling the ball and then beamed a back pass as hard as possible at Verbruggen.
ADAM WEBSTER – 8.22
There is no way on God’s green earth that Lewis Dunk comes back into the starting XI once recovered from his rib injury given how Webster has performed in his absence. A magnificent display making it four wins from four with him in the side – and two of those wearing the captain’s armband.
Pervis Estupinan – 6.33
Kept David Brooks quieter down his side of the pitch than Lamptey against Semenyo down the other side. A solid return to the line up after several weeks out.
Carlos Baleba – 7.22
A joy to watch. Protected the back four and always looked to turn defence into attack. Most notably when slicing through the Cherries on a powerful run which took him 70 yards up the pitch pass three or four opponents.
Diego Gomez – 8.11
Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro was at the Amex and boy did Gomez reward him for making the trip. An excellent full debut featuring some stunning incisive through balls, including a perfectly weighted pass to send Joao Pedro away when Brighton earned their penalty.
Yankubu Minteh – 7.44
197) "Clear your lines, Yankubu" #BHAFC https://t.co/TfcTXFQro0
— We Are Brighton (@wearebrighton) February 26, 2025
Georginio Rutter – 7.89
Gomez wasn’t the only one sliding precision passes between the Bournemouth defence leading to goals. Rutter assisted Danny Welbeck, celebrated by flapping his arms around in the air like a bird and judging by his reposting on Twitter after the game, enjoyed the Minteh overhead kick almost as much as everyone in the stands.
Kaoru Mitoma – 6.89
Some of the best performances of his Brighton career have come against Bournemouth. But not on this occasion. He was the quietest of the Albion’s front four, although that is easily forgiven after recent exploits.
Joao Pedro – 7.11
Clever to make the most of a push in the back and a coming together with Kepa to win the spot kick, which he duly converted despite the best efforts of the Cherries goalkeeper to put him off.
Danny Welbeck – 7.44
Welbz is Dat Guy. Had only been on the pitch four minutes when drilling a shot across Kepa and in off the post. A 30th Premier League goal in Brighton colours takes him level with Pascal Gross and just seven behind the Albion’s all-time top flight top scorer, Michael Robinson.
Jack Hinshelwood – 6.89
Good management from Fabian Hurzeler to use the speed of Lamptey and Estupinan at full back, giving Hinshelwood a rest. He won some important headers and tackles after coming on.
Yasin Ayari – 6.67
Bournemouth were on top and the Albion starting to tire midway through the second half. Ayari brought renewed energy into midfield and helped stem the flow of red and black attacks somewhat.
Mats Wieffer – 6.89
Neat and tidy when introduced with five minutes of normal time remaining to help Brighton see out the victory.
The WAB Player Ratings are formulated using marks out of 10 given by Brighton fans via social media. To have your scores included, follow We Are Brighton on Twitter or We Are Brighton on Bluesky and look out for the player rating thread after each game.
