Leicester 2-2 Brighton: Ferguson flies from bench to top of ratings
Another Premier League game, another goal for Evan Ferguson. It is becoming increasingly difficult to remain calm and unexcited by the Albion’s teenage Irish striker all the while he keeps delivering performances of the kind that saw him top the Leicester City 2-2 Brighton player ratings.
Ferguson was introduced from the bench midway through the second half, just after the Seagulls had fallen 2-1 behind at the King Power Stadium.
There were two minutes of normal time remaining when he scored his third goal in four Premier League appearances, meeting a Pervis Estupinan cross with a bullet header into the bottom corner that any veteran target man would be proud of.
It secured a deserved point for Brighton. Kaoru Mitoma had given the Seagulls a first half lead with yet another stunning strike after cutting in from the left flank, the assist for which was also provided by the impressive Estupinan.
Goals from Marc Albrighton and Harvey Barnes turned things around and left the Foxes believing they were about to win for the first time since the winter break.
Fortunately for Brighton, Ferguson had other ideas. Here is how he and the 13 other Seagulls who played in Leicester 2-2 Brighton scored in the ratings.
Robert Sanchez – 5.78
Might he have done better with the two Leicester goals? This rating certainly seems to suggest as much.
Pascal Gross – 6.56
Began at right back before Adam Lallana’s injury saw him pushed into midfield. Not at his creative best and yet he still had a hand in the equaliser when turning over possession.
Lewis Dunk – 7.11
With Levi Colwill out, Dunk had greater opportunities to show off his passing range. Lost Jamie Vardy once but other than that he was very assured defensively.
Jan Paul van Hecke – 5.56
A pretty assured full Premier League debut overshadowed by two key incidents. He should have scored with a first half header from point blank range. Was then at fault when Leicester took the lead through Barnes, losing the Leicester winger when a ball came into the box.
Pervis Estupinan – 7.78
How many left backs ever contribute two assists in a single game? His pass found Kaoru Mitoma to open the scoring and that cross swung into a dangerous area and onto the head of Ferguson was a thing of beauty.
Moises Caicedo – 7.56
Another 90 minutes that made a mockery of Glow Up Graham and Chelsea bidding £55 million for his services. Got Brighton on the front foot going forward and did some vital defensive work too, especially once James Maddison was introduced by Brendan Rodgers.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7.11
Never wasted a pass and his footwork when jinking into the box in the second half ahead of a shot saved by Danny Ward was like something off Strictly Come Dancing. A late yellow card means he will be suspended for the visit of Plucky Little Bournemouth in a fortnight.
Solly March – 5.89
A case of after the Lord Mayor’s show following his two-goal performance against Liverpool which drew calls for an England call up. Produced a horror miss when ballooning the ball miles over the bar from front and centre of the goal.
Adam Lallana – 6.56
His importance to the Brighton cause was highlighted with the Albion seeing their dominance ended when he limped off in the first half. Thankfully, it does not sound like a serious problem and there are two weeks until the Seagulls are next in Premier League action.
Kaoru Mitoma – 8.00
Claimed second place in the Leicester 2-2 Brighton ratings after tormenting yet another opposition right back. When he cuts inside from his wing with such pace and directness it is almost impossible to stop. As for the finish which gave the Albion the lead, stunning.
Danny Welbeck – 6.11
Rewarded for his goal of the season contender from the bench against Liverpool with promotion to the starting XI. Some fans were quick to criticise Dat Guy for his performance but he should have been awarded a penalty with which the game may have gone in Brighton’s favour.
Joel Veltman – 6.11
Mr 7/10 had a rare off day after coming on for the injured Lallana. Looked better when moved central alongside Dunk after Lamptey entered proceedings.
EVAN FERGUSON – 8.22
That header. Phwoar. Every goal he scores shows another side of his game; we now know that he is as good in the air as he is on the ground.
Tariq Lamptey – 6.56
He came off the bench at the King Power last season to help Brighton comeback and secure a point and did the same again on this occasion. Some really positive runs down the right which had the Foxes worried as they sat deeper and deeper in an attempt to defend their way to all three points.
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.
