Watford 0-2 Brighton: Veltman wows in ratings from Vicarage Road
There were numerous reasons why Joel Veltman ended up topping the Watford 0-2 Brighton player ratings. We all know about his football ability, a classy defender who rarely puts a foot wrong and that was there for all to see at Vicarage Road.
Beyond his performance in helping deliver three points and a clean sheet, we had his celebration of Adam Webster’s winner.
He hopped up and down in the area like an elated schoolgirl before skipping after Webster who was heading towards the Albion fans in the corner.
The joy Veltman got from the goal which sealed the victory was infectious and has made quite the splash after being posted by a Seagulls supporter on Twitter.
Then there was the crunching tackle and subsequent roar at the away section which geed up the travelling support in the second half.
With Watford on top, the Albion players needed more noise to get them over the line and Veltman was central to providing that.
Seeing as this was an excellent team effort, we should probably talk about the other 11 players involved beyond Veltman. Here your player ratings from Watford 0-2 Brighton.
Robert Sanchez – 7.14
A couple of hairy moments in the first half but much more assured after the interval. That was important as Watford enjoyed their best spell following the introduction of Ismaila Sarr and Roy Hodgson’s switch to 4-3-3.
Joel Veltman – 8.43
That glowing introduction to these Watford 0-2 Brighton ratings highlighted the obvious positives of his afternoon. Less noticeable is the difference he makes to Tariq Lamptey, who had the freedom to cause Watford constant problems, knowing that Veltman is covering behind.
Lewis Dunk – 7.29
Looked like he needed last week’s FA Cup game against Spurs to shake the rust following six weeks out injured. Miles better after that questionable 90 minutes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, leading the defence to yet another clean sheet.
Adam Webster – 7.86
Contrasting his performance against Spurs to his display at Vicarage Road and you can draw the conclusion that he is better suited to playing on the left of a back three rather than the right. Food for thought for those Albion fans who have viewed the sale of Dan Burn to Newcastle as the biggest disaster since Katie Price and Peter Andre split up.
Tariq Lamptey – 8.29
His excellent cross teed up Neal Maupay for that outrageous Brighton opener. Not for the first time this season, Lamptey found himself on the end of the some rough treatment as an opposition decided that the only way they could stop him was by kicking him to the ground.
Adam Lallana – 7.71
Dictated the game from the deep midfield role usually filled by Yves Bissouma. His range of passing from there was outstanding, showing technique that most players can only dream of. Linked up well with Pascal Gross in the build up to Maupay’s goal.
Pascal Gross – 7.00
An assist for the assist for the Albion’s opener. Rarely wasted a pass although he should have done better with a first half header. One of the sacrificial lambs who made way when Potter sought to counter Hodgson’s half time changes.
Marc Cucurella – 7.57
Denied his first Brighton goal by a good save from Fraser Forster. Reigned in his normal attacking desires, sensibly allowing Lamptey to do most of the rampaging forward down the opposite flank, creating a nice balance to the Albion’s shape.
Jakub Moder – 7.71
The fact he is still waiting for his first Premier League goal is getting a bit silly now. One shot brilliantly blocked, another deflected wide. Other than the frustration of failing to score, he buzzed around behind Maupay and Danny Welbeck well.
Danny Welbeck – 6.29
We will take the blame for Welbeck finishing bottom of the Watford 0-2 Brighton ratings having said in our match preview how he always plays well and scores against his former clubs. Still made some promising runs to create space for Maupay but not his best afternoon.
Neal Maupay – 8.43
One week after chipping a one-on-one weakly into the arms of Hugo Lloris, he scored an utterly outrageous right footed scoop volley on the turn into the top corner of the Watford goal. The man is an enigma but one who is finally becoming loved by the majority of Brighton fans having equalled Glenn Murray’s total of Premier League goals for the Albion.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7.71
His introduction alongside Bissouma instantly brought more control to the Brighton midfield. His set pieces have been on-point since the turn of the year and another dangerous corner delivery caused the chaos and confusion which gave Webster the chance to scramble home the second.
Yves Bissouma – 7.43
His placed on the bench caused something of a stir before kick off. Everything about Potter’s decision making was spot on however, including Bissouma’s introduction to reassert the Albion’s dominance. He now goes to Old Trafford on Tuesday night well rested as Brighton chase victory against rivals for a Champions League spot Manchester United.
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.
