Brighton 3-1 West Ham: Veltman tops ratings in hammering of Hammers
In a fitting final set of player ratings of a superb 2021-22 season, the Albion’s most consistent player was recognised for his contribution with Joel Veltman sitting top of the tree as Brighton hammered West Ham 3-1 at the Amex.
The Seagulls have had consistency issues of their own this campaign, finishing in a club-record ninth spot despite enduring a three month period without a win between September and December and losing six in a row during the early days of Spring.
Whilst those barren spells saw some Brighton players struggle, Veltman remained his usual dependable self. So much so that he was voted into second place behind Marc Cucurella in the Albion’s Player of the Season.
Veltman saved the best until last, going above and beyond with his display against the Hammers. Brilliant defensively, he also chose an opportune time to score his first goal of the campaign to draw Brighton level.
With £13.2 million in prize money up for grabs the higher the Albion finished up the table, that was very welcome indeed in terms of sparking the turnaround.
Danny Welbeck and Pascal Gross also shone. Both scored, both achieved ratings in the eights and both will hopefully sign new contracts to keep them at the Amex beyond their current deals which expire this summer.
With interest in Seagulls players expected to be high when the transfer window opens, this may well have been the last time we see a couple pull on the stripes. Here is how they all scored in our Brighton 3-1 West Ham ratings.
Robert Sanchez – 7.67
No chance with the goal from Michail Antonio and was not overworked otherwise. Claimed some crosses assuredly on what could be his last Brighton game if the rumours about Leicester City being willing to pay £50 million for his services are true.
JOEL VELTMAN – 9.00
Mr 7/10 became Mr 9/10 as he topped the player ratings for Brighton 3-1 West Ham. Edged an intriguing battle with Antonio over the course of 90 minutes. Popped up at the other end early in the second half to equalise for the Albion with the sort of clinical finish you do not associate with this group of players. A superb way to end a superb individual season.
Lewis Dunk – 7.78
Went to ground a little too easily when outmuscled by Antonio in the build up to the West Ham goal. Had to be alert to deal with the sheer number of crosses the visitors delivered into the box, either from wide positions or when Declan Rice was spraying the ball 40 yards down the pitch with unerring accuracy.
Adam Webster – 7.44
His first start since the 2-2 draw with Southampton came with Leandro Trossard ruled out with illness. A few hairy moments but this was still his best performance since that February injury which ruled him out for the best part of six weeks.
Marc Cucurella – 7.89
Back on the left rather than as part of a three man defence. Took the greater freedom afforded to him by playing an important part in the Veltman goal, as well as delivering a dangerous ball into the West Ham area which one of Neal Maupay or Welbeck should have converted.
Moises Caicedo – 7.67
The boy wonder from Ecuador reminded everyone that he is human after all with a poor first half shot that was far too easy for Lukasz Fabianski to deal with. On the plus side, he was handed added responsibility in midfield once Yves Bissouma was removed at the break. It says much about how he rose to the challenge that Rice was much quieter in the second half.
Yves Bissouma – 6.44
Graham Potter revealed afterwards that Bissouma had been unwell in the lead up to the game. Struggled to make much impact and his withdrawal at half time led to a much improved Albion performance, culminating in the comeback win. If this was to be goodbye, it was a disappointing way for his Brighton career to finish.
Pascal Gross – 8.67
Scored a brilliant goal when finding the top corner on the turn from the edge of the box to give Brighton the lead. Then delivered the pinpoint corner for Welbeck to head home the third. One goal, one assist and a couple of Gross Turns thrown in for good measure. This was Kaiser Pascal at his best. Please say it is not the end.
Solly March – 7.56
A frustrating season has ended well for March, who has overtaken Tariq Lamptey in the pecking order out on the right. Was probably Brighton’s biggest threat in the first half with a couple of direct and dangerous runs down the flank which had West Ham worried.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7.89
One of the success stories of the campaign. Not only is he now one of the first names on the team sheet, but he has developed from a number 10 into an all-round midfielder capable of sitting deep as effectively as he does drive forward. Lots of work done in both those senses against West Ham, starting the game close to Welbeck before moving nearer to Caicedo once Maupay came on.
Danny Welbeck – 8.78
Said after scoring against The Leeds United that he did not want the season to end. Another goal here was the least he deserved for a hard working and dangerous showing. It is a no-brainer to keep him and the Albion seem to realise this; now he just needs to put pen to paper.
Neal Maupay – 7.56
Welbeck returning to fitness has restricted his involvement in recent weeks and first team chances may be further limited next year with the arrival of Deniz Undav. Very obvious that he wanted to make an impression and although that led to a couple of ridiculous fouls, his work rate stretched West Ham and he enjoyed winding up players, coaches and fans of the Hammers.
Tariq Lamptey – 7.11
Having had a hard time dealing with March and Cucurella on their frequent forays down the channels, the last thing West Ham would have wanted to see was a pace merchant like Lamptey coming on towards the end. A couple of good runs in the short time he was on the pitch, including when teeing up Welbeck and having a shot of his own.
Enock Mwepu – 7.00
Must be the first Brighton player to return from injury more quickly than expected in about 20 years. A surprise inclusion on the bench, he got involved with the Gross goal and was neat and tidy in possession.
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.
