Newcastle 0-1 Brighton: Brick wall Verbruggen tops ratings

No prizes for guessing who sits head and shoulders above any other Albion player in the Newcastle 0-1 Brighton player ratings.

Bart Verbruggen had a magnificent game at St James’ Park, making a string of saves to keep a clean sheet and earn the Seagulls an impressive three points.

There were important contributions from others too. Danny Welbeck scored the only goal. Georginio Rutter showed his versatility by doing a job out on the wing.

And Igor Julio silenced the critics who have been extremely vocal in writing him off for no other reason than being a signing Roberto De Zerbi personally pushed for.

It was a hard working, resolute and determined team display overall – made even more impressive coming off the back of that defensive horror show at Chelsea in the Albion’s previous away game.

Here are your Newcastle 0-1 Brighton player ratings.

BART VERBUGGEN – 8.83

Four or five genuine match winning saves made this the best individual display seen from a Brighton goalkeeper for some time. It likely would have been a different outcome had Verbruggen not been in such inspired form.

Joel Veltman – 7.25

Veltman can add Anthony Gordon to the impressive collection of dangerous left wingers kept in his pocket over the past five seasons. And it was great to see Mrs Veltman with the travelling support up in the Gods. A family who get what Brighton & Hove Albion is all about.

Lewis Dunk – 7.00

His lovely long ball forward instigated the move leading to Welbeck’s goal. Did an important job helping Veltman out by doubling up on Gordon.

Igor Julio – 7.50

Igor! Igor! Igor! Drove into midfield with the ball at times which was important in helping get Brighton on the front foot. Highest scoring defender in the Newcastle 0-1 Brighton ratings tells you how solid he was.

Ferdi Kadioglu – 6.67

Completed his first 90 minutes as a Brighton player. Spent most of it at left back where has defensive nous was preferred to the more attack-minded Pervis Estupinan. Maybe should have scored at the end after taking over from Rutter on the right wing, seeing a volley blocked.

Georginio Rutter – 7.92

Getting better and better every week. Phenomenal work rate doing a more defensive job out wide than when played as a 10. Claimed another assist with a perfectly weighted pass after exchanging a one-two with Welbeck.

Carlos Baleba – 7.00

Another solid showing on an afternoon where a more experienced, highly-rated Newcastle midfield would have expected to dominate.

Jack Hinshelwood – 6.92

Made one hugely important block. One of those games where he needed to do more defending than creating.

Yasin Ayari – 7.08

His selection raised the most eyebrows and even more so when Brighton lined up in a 4-4-2 and it became apparent he was in the side over Kaoru Mitoma on the left wing. A big call from Fabian Hurzeler to drop the man-of-the-match from the 3-2 win over Spurs but Ayari rewarded the faith.

Evan Ferguson – 5.33

Lowest score in the Newcastle 0-1 Brighton player ratings. Not his best but below 5.50 seems harsh. Did the job asked of him which was giving Brighton two focal points in attack to whom the Albion could go long when looking to counter.

Danny Welbeck – 7.92

Welbz is Dat Guy. A well taken goal made it five in eight Premier League outings for the evergreen forward. Stretchered off with eight minutes remaining but went onto confirm on his social media channels that he had been checked over in A&E would be back in training soon.

Kaoru Mitoma – 6.50

Hurzeler introduced the Japanese Bullet Train at the point where Newcastle were beginning to overcommit in the search for an equaliser. It was a clever ploy and Mitoma almost helped Brighton double the lead on two occasions playing on the counter. He crossed for Kaidoglu and shot over after robbing Tino Livramento of possession.

Mats Wieffer – 6.17

Strengthened the midfield when introduced, sitting in front of the defence and trying to launch Albion breaks.

Pervis Estupinan – 6.67

His introduction 11 minutes after Mitoma gave Brighton a real attacking threat down the left, pinning Livramento back.

Jan Paul van Hecke – 6.25

Brighton switched to a back five when Van Hecke made his return from injury two weeks ahead of schedule. The change helped further frustrate the Toon.

Julio Enciso – 6.08

Bold from Hurzeler to throw such an attack minded player on late in the day when defending a 1-0 lead away from home. Enciso though did a job for the team, including a lovely piece of skill which left ex-Albion defender and Princess Diana look-a-like Dan Burn all at sea.

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.