Brighton 3-3 Brentford: Attack good, defence not so good in ratings
Brighton 3-3 Brentford was a chaotic 90 minutes in which attacks shone but defences not so much, as reflected in a contrasting set of player ratings.
The Albion’s forward players all racked up scores of seven or more. The back line however did not impress, barely scraping over a six.
Lewis Dunk was a case in point. Rarely has the Albion captain ever finished bottom of the player ratings and yet that was his fate here, just below centre back partner Levi Colwill.
Albion fans were not the only critics of the goals shipped. Roberto De Zerbi said afterwards it would be difficult for the Albion to qualify for Europe if they performed like that defensively again.
“We concede three goals in an incredible way. We want to improve in this situation because if we concede three goals like this, we can’t achieve our target,” were De Zerbi’s words.
De Zerbi would therefore appear to agree with these Brighton 3-3 Brentford player ratings, which are as follows…
Jason Steele – 6.39
Bit of a mixed bag. The ball over the top for Kaoru Mitoma to score the first Albion goal of the afternoon was sublime. Less so his decision to pick up a very obvious back pass or when he remained rooted to his line as Brentford added their third.
Joel Veltman – 6.11
The highest rated Albion defender, despite it being his awful throw which directly led to Ivan Toney putting Brentford 2-1 ahead. Almost made up for it with a low drive in the second half forcing David Raya into one of his three million saves.
Lewis Dunk – 5.44
Lost Pontus Jansson for the first Brentford goal and might have done more to stop Toney adding the second. He also should have scored when putting a header from yards out off target.
Levi Colwill – 5.50
Was meant to be marking Ethan Pinnock when the Bees defender volleyed home his side’s third. Otherwise did a decent enough job marking Toney.
Pervis Estupinan – 5.94
Good going forward, providing some dangerous crosses into the box. Was culpable along with Colwill for allowing Pinnock to get free and volley in the third goal unchallenged.
Pascal Gross – 6.06
Gave away the cheap free kick from which Brentford scored that third. The fact we have now apportioned blame to Gross, Estupinan, Colwill and Steele tells you what a mess it was. Tried his best to create something going forward.
Moises Caicedo – 7.50
You would never have known he had played twice for Ecuador in the past week and made two 24 hour flights to the other side of the world. Covered every inch of the pitch, winning back possession and getting Brighton on the front foot.
SOLLY MARCH – 7.67
The highest scoring Albion player in the Brighton 3-3 Brentford ratings. Tricked and teased the Bees defence in the build up to Danny Welbeck’s goal before delivering a peach of a cross hung up to the back post.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7.61
His last minute penalty smashed into the top corner was a thing of beauty. He was in the middle of Brighton’s most promising moments, especially in the second half when the Brentford goal was under siege.
Kaoru Mitoma – 7.56
Another goal to add to his collection when racing clear and calmly lobbing Steele’s long pass over the head of the advancing Raya. Either Welbeck or March should have converted his low cross, which would have given him an assist too.
Danny Welbeck – 7.50
De Zerbi said this was Welbeck’s best game of the season so far. Hard to argue with that assessment. His header for the goal was brilliant and before that, it was his off the ball movement which pulled the Brentford defence apart, creating the space for Mitoma to race through and score.
Julio Enciso – 6.44
One of his better cameos. Dealt with the physical side of the game as he was subject to some robust challenges from Brentford.
Facundo Buonanotte – 5.61
Joined the action very late on alongside Deniz Undav. Played a part in the build up which led to Brighton being awarded their late penalty.
Deniz Undav – 5.72
It was his shot which was handled to earn the Albion and Mac Allister the chance to equalise in the final minute. A vital moment, although in reality he probably should have been scoring himself.
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.
