Last time at The Amex, a motivated Brighton of Chris Hughton crushed the rebellious West Brom of Pulis and when they were nearing to host Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle, only the intention of making it two home victories in a row would have been playing on the minds. The Seagulls certainly made it two back to back wins at home after Tomer Hemed’s improvisation and the finish was enough for them to hold on and get the win. They jump four places from 17nth to 14nth and it’s a morale-boosting victory. Here is how they’ve been rated –
GK: Mathew Ryan – 7/10
Had to be on his toes until the final whistle. Scampered and got a ball off during the corner from which the ball looked like it was going in and he made an easy save from Gayle in the dying minutes. A clean-sheet is a huge positive.
RB: Bruno Saltor – 7.5/10
He had a superb game today and was at the centre of the mix plenty of times. His cracking ball from the right nearly resulted in a goal. His passing accuracy was fine today and he looked focused.
CB: Shane Duffy – 7/10
A lot was spoken about the defender before the game and he lived up to the expectations. He was determined and bravely put his head in front of a threatening Merino’s effort to get the ball deflected off to a corner. Plenty of positives to take from this.
CB: Lewis Dunk – 6.5/10
Decent enough beside Duffy and complimented his compatriot well. His clearances were much more noticeable but he has to improve on key duels.
LB: Markus Suttner – 7/10
He had a pretty balanced game where he defended well enough. His long balls were seeking to probe Newcastle and he was solid on his side.
LM: Solly March – 7/10
Troubled Yedlin throughout the game and provided some wicked wing play from the left. He was unlucky as a superb stretch from Elliot denied him a goal in the second half.
CM: Davy Propper – 6.5/10
Tidy and kept the ball ticking from the midfield.
CM: Dale Stephens – 6.5/10
Got an assist for Brighton’s only goal after heading down the ball for Hemed to finish. His passing much like Propper was accurate and he won several contests in the midfield.
RM: Anthony Knockaert – 7/10
He looked dazzling on a few occasions and got the biggest opening underway firstly during the game. Combined well at times with other forwards as well. Sweet display!
CAM: Pascal Gross – 6/10
Severely unlucky as his shot was blocked by Knockaert in what was one of the best chances in the beginning. Didn’t have the end-product he had in other games and was a bit mediocre today.
ST: Tomer Hemed – 7.5/10
Improvised well enough to finish from Stephen’s layoff. Worked hard off the ball as well and one evidence could be of him winning the ball back from Atsu as the game was heading into the climax. Got away with an ugly stamp on Yedlin though and might face action.
