Chelsea 3-2 Brighton: Buonanotte tops ratings at the Bridge
Facundo Buonanotte has come in for a fair amount of criticism this season, most of which seemed harsh as he is an 18-year-old learning and adapting to life in a strange foreign country. A lovely goal as Brighton lost 3-2 at Chelsea and top spot in the player ratings served as a reminder of his talent and potential.
Buonanotte struck just before half time, beating former Albion number two goalkeeper Robert Sanchez with a left footed strike curled into the opposite corner.
This proved to be a good day for those Seagulls finding themselves on the scoresheet. Joao Pedro was the only other player to score above a seven having come off the bench to head home his 10th goal of the campaign.
Whilst much of the focus afterwards has been on the performance of referee Craig Pawson and VAR, the Albion were as much to blame for defeat as the officials.
Two avoidable goals conceded from corners meant that the long wait for a Premier League clean sheet goes on – and led to more questions about Roberto De Zerbi’s goalkeeper rotation.
Here are your Chelsea 2-3 Brighton player ratings.
Jason Steele – 5.71
Would the more commanding presence of Bart Verbruggen have helped the Albion avoid conceding those two cheap early goals? Maybe. De Zerbi chopping and changing goalkeepers is not Steele’s fault though. Made one outstanding reaction save to prevent Igor Julio putting into his own net.
Joel Veltman – 6.00
A difficult afternoon up against the speed and trickery of Mykhailo Mudryk. Unusual to see him struggling given he has such a good track record when it comes to marking dangerous wingers out of the game.
Jan Paul van Hecke – 6.43
Should have got closer to Enzo Fernandez for the opening goal, part of a first half performance in which he looked a little lost. Improved after the break with Brighton under less pressure.
Igor Julio – 6.71
The highest scoring Albion defender in the Chelsea 3-2 Brighton ratings. Made a series of important interventions through the first half and looked confident stepping out from the back in possession.
Jack Hinshelwood – 6.14
An 18-year-old midfielder playing out of position at left back against a player with the quality of Raheem Sterling looked a real cause for concern before kick off. Hinshelwood dealt with the threat reasonably well.
Carlos Baleba – 6.00
Lacked a degree of composure in the middle of the park. Flashes of what he is capable of though, most notably with positive approach play in the build up to the Buonanotte goal.
Billy Gilmour – 6.71
Decent performance against the club who sold him to Brighton for £9 million last summer. Drew the foul which led to Conor Gallagher picking up a second booking and grew into the game as it went on.
FACUNDO BUONANOTTE – 7.29
Gave Levi Colwill a fair amount of trouble throughout. His goal was superb both in terms of the finish and the way he cut inside. Will have done his confidence a world of good which is positive news as Buonanotte will be needed through the hectic December schedule.
Adam Lallana – 6.43
Wore the captain’s armband with Lewis Dunk suspended and Pascal Gross rested. Neat and tidy as always and claimed an assist when feeding the ball right to Buonanotte.
Simon Adingra – 5.29
Ask anyone who watched Union Saint-Gilloise last season and they will tell you Adingra is more dangerous on the left. Did not really look it here as he could not offer much going forward, nor was he particularly useful in helping Hinshelwood deal with Sterling.
Evan Ferguson – 5.57
Probably a good thing Ferguson did not make much headway against Chelsea as a couple of goals would have only led to Todd Boehly bidding £234 million for the services of the Irish teenager next summer.
James Milner – 5.57
Harshly adjudged to have fouled Mudryk when Chelsea were awarded their penalty. Made up for that with a brilliant corner delivery headed home by Pedro for the Albion’s late second.
Pascal Gross – 6.14
Having played more than most through the past two months, Gross needed a rest – especially with three big home home games coming up against Brentford, Burnley and Marseille. Willingness to shoot was much needed in the closing stages when Brighton were dominating possession.
Kaoru Mitoma – 6.14
Looked a threat when he came on with a few of his trademark runs. Like Gross, his place on the bench will be justified if he is refreshed for the next three matches.
Joao Pedro – 7.00
Reaching double figures in all competitions before Christmas is an excellent return from the Albion’s £30 million club record buy. So good in the air as proven by yet another clever headed finish.
Benicio Baker-Boaitey – 5.14
The latest Brighton Under 21s player to make his Premier League bow this season. Not much time to make an impression but his is a name certainly worth learning how to spell as he has the potential for a bright future in the game.
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.
