Wolves 2-1 Brighton: Game of two halves makes for interesting ratings
Wolves 2-1 Brighton was a game of contrasting halves for the Albion – especially if your names happen to be Lewis Dunk or Neal Maupay – and that has led to a set of interesting player ratings.
For the first 45 minutes at Molineux, the Albion were excellent. They deservedly led through Dunk’s header, should have had a penalty when Dan Burn was rugby tackled to the ground and, in an all too familiar story, missed several good opportunities to make the game safe before the break.
The second half was the polar opposite – a complete shambles. Dunk got himself sent off with just eight minutes played, leaving Brighton to try and navigate over a third of the game with only 10 men.
Needless to say, that did not happen. A 90th minute winner gave Wolves all three points and to make matters worse, Maupay was shown a straight red card after the final whistle for using foul and abusive language when confronting referee Jonathan Moss.
That moment of madness has seen Maupay score the lowest rating of the season, a mark so poor that it is actually quite impressive in its own way.
Dunk meanwhile attracted some hugely contrasting numbers. His highest rating was an eight, his lowest a one. That sums up what a bizarre 90 minutes Wolves 2-1 Brighton was – with the full player ratings as follows…
Robert Sanchez – 6.00
A few solid saves, one in the opening 10 minutes and a couple during the second half as Wolves seized control of the contest. Could do nothing about either of the goals.
Ben White – 6.00
Brighton’s best defender at Molineux, even though he was used out-of-position at right back. Made some crucial blocks, although he could not quite manage to keep out Adama Traore’s equaliser.
Adam Webster – 4.50
As poor a decision as Dunk made when sacrificing himself, the Brighton captain would never have been in that position had Webster done better in the lead up to the red. Another rusty performance as he continues to feel his way back from injury.
Lewis Dunk – 4.50
The best player on the pitch in a first half in which he notched his fifth of the season. That good work was undone early in the second half when he pulled back Fabio Silva, denying a clear goal scoring opportunity. He should have let Silva have a run at goal, backing either Sanchez to save or his side to have a chance of a result with 11 on the pitch even if Silva netted, rather than facing the final 37 minutes with 10 men. Judging by his reaction, he knew he had got it wrong.
Dan Burn – 5.67
Was excellent during the opening 45 minutes, including when charging forward to be wrestled to the ground in the Wolves box which Mr Moss somehow concluded was not worthy of a spot kick. Struggled once Traore was introduced, but this was still an improvement on last time he had faced the Wolves winger when he achieved the triple crown of own goal, giving away a penalty and getting booked inside of an hour.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh – 5.50
Prince Ali made his first Premier League start since the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in December. Had a lively first half including putting over some dangerous crosses before being replaced by Jakub Moder in response to Dunk’s red.
YVES BISSOUMA – 6.17
Rumours swirled before kick off that the Malian had handed in a transfer request. Those were later quashed and he certainly did not play like a man with his mind on a new destination, topping the Wolves 2-1 Brighton player ratings with a typically forceful midfield display.
Pascal Gross – 6.00
His set piece delivery was unreal, helping Dunk to open the scoring and creating another glorious opportunity for the Brighton captain and one for Webster. Moved to right back following the first red card, where he looked a little lost including nearly gifting Wolves a goal.
Leandro Trossard – 5.67
The Belgian was given a wider role than he has been used to in a season where he has mainly been deployed as a number 10. Took advantage by reminding everyone that he is an excellent crosser of the ball.
Neal Maupay – 1.83
One point eight three. Brighton fans do not take kindly to completely unnecessary red cards after the final whistle for abusing a referee, seemingly.
Danny Welbeck – 5.33
His best moment came with a clever cushioned header to set Maupay up for a good opportunity on the volley. Needless to say, Maupay volleyed it nowhere near the goal.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5.00
Since losing his place in the side, he has looked a shadow of the player who was so enjoyable to watch throughout January. Struggled to make much impact here with Brighton down to 10 and Wolves on top.
Jakub Moder – 5.00
Brought on to bolster the midfield as Potter sacrificed his two wingers following Dunk’s red. Got through some decent defensive work, a promising sign should he be the man who takes Bissouma’s place next season once the Albion’s star man is sold to one of the big six for mega money.
Andi Zeqiri – 5.00
His introduction in place of Welbeck when Brighton needed to look after the ball any time they got it forward in the final 10 minutes was strange. Not enough time to do anything, although he may have a couple of starting opportunities to look forward to with Maupay now facing at least a two match ban.
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.
