Chris Hughton’s Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. might finally succeed with their promotion chase as the Seagull’s have shown consistency throughout the campaign and the 3-0 victory over Derby County at Falmer Stadium have taken them nine points clear to third-placed Huddersfield Town with nine matches to go.
After back to back defeats against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, Brighton slipped to the second spot of the table. Nevertheless, they seem to have overcome the sudden slump and are now back in winning ways with consecutive victories over Rotherham and the Rams.
The Best And The Worst Brighton & Hove Albion Players Rated from their Win Vs Derby County
David Stockdale: 6
The custodian had a quiet evening; he had little to offer as Derby failed to engage him into action. Was lucky when Matej Vydra’s header hit the right-hand post within twenty minutes into the second half.
Bruno: 7.5
The 36-year old fullback had a tireless outing as the skipper was consistent with his overlap runs and whipped in a few crosses for his attackers. Assisted Knockaert for Brighton’s opener before getting injured and being replaced by Fikayo Tomori around 65th-minute mark.
Uwe Hünemeier: 7.5
The defender had a solid display in the heart of Brighton’s back-line. Also did well to contain the likes of Darren bent and David Nugent. Was an aerial threat from Brighton’s set-pieces.
Lewis Dunk: 7
Dunk, too, did well to deny Derby coming back into the game after pulling off a few decent blocks and interceptions.
Liam Rosenior: 7
Rosenior had a decent outing as he delivered a balanced display from left-hand side. He covered his defence when required as well as made overlap runs to whip in crosses for the attackers.
Dale Stephens: 6.5
Stephens screened his defence well and broke down many counter attacks. Was combative as well as composed in central midfield. Did not offer much in attack, though.
Beram Kayal: 8
Had an outstanding evening of football as the Israeli midfielder not only controlled the game from midfield but also switched it in both flanks to use the width of the pitch. Made a few decent forward runs as well as crucial defensive blocks to deny Derby to come back into the game.
Anthony Knockaert: 9
The former Leicester City winger is having a majestic campaign as he scored his 13th of the season within five minutes into the game when he fired into the bottom corner from the edge of the box after skipping past a defender. He lifted the ball into the box for Glenn Murray who scored Brighton’s third of the game. Was subbed off with eight minutes remaining.
Jiří Skalák: 7
Skalak was direct, pacy and troubled the Derby backline with his dribbles and crosses. Created ample amount of opportunities for Murray and Baldock from the left-hand flank.
Samuel Baldock: 7.5
The forward combined well with Murray and Knockaert and his one-two with Murray led him to score Brighton’s second of the evening.
Glen Murray: 8
The Englishman scored and assisted one before being replaced by Tomer Hemed. His link-ups with Baldock and Knockaert were too hot to handle for Derby backline.
Substitutes
Fikayo Tomori: 6
Came in place of injured Bruno. Made a few decent forward runs and crosses.
Tomer Hemed: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Solomon March: NA
Came in place of Knockaert. Played too little to warrant a rating.
