Brighton and Hove Albion 2-1 Fulham Player Ratings: Brighton clinch a late win to get close to UCL spots

The race for Champions League spots gets tightened as Brighton clinched a narrow victory over Fulham, thanks to a late penalty from Joao Pedro. This result has put Brighton in the sixth spot, on a level with Chelsea, who are above just on goal difference whereas Fulham are in ninth, three points away from a UEFA Champions League spot.

Both teams are on a similar trajectory so far this season with eyeing for the same spots in the league and progressing to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Both teams made two changes to the starting eleven they used in their previous match. Fulham were aiming to complete the double on the hosts, after winning 3-1 at their home.

Fulham enjoyed the early possession, passing the ball around and trying to get dominance. While both teams tried to score, there were not enough threatening chances. But, it was Fulham who drew first blood after an excellent cross from Iwobi to pick out Jimenez, who finished it expertly. Brighton did not take too long to equalize as Van Hecke scored his first-ever Premier League goal from a set-piece routine. The half ended on level terms, with Fulham leaving frustrated for not being able to hold on to their lead.

Brighton started to dominate in the second half but they could not find any opening. While it looked like they scored once, it got chalked off by the VAR. Both teams started to make tactical changes and substitutions to make a difference but to no avail. It was almost getting done but late in the game, Joao Pedro went down after a challenge from Reed and the referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot. Pedro capitalized on this situation and calmly converted the penalty with the last kick of the match, securing the victory for the hosts.

Here are the Brighton and Hove Albion vs Fulham Player Ratings.

Brighton Player Ratings

GK- Bart Verbruggen – 6/10

The keeper was a calming presence on the backline, making key saves and commanding the defense.

LB- Pervis Estupinan – 6.5/10

He contributed on both ends with his energetic runs up and down the pitch. His defensive solidarity was equally as good as his attacking presence.

CB- Jan Paul van Hecke- 7.5/10

He scored the first goal of his Premier League career with a thumping header and equalized very quickly.

CB- Adam Webster – 6/10

A reliable, veteran presence in the backline, he showed his seniority and provided decent defensive cover.

RB- Jack Hinshelwood – 5.5/10

He filled in for Tariq Lamptey and was solid in defense but limited in build-up play and attacking forward.

CM- Carlos Baleba – 5.5/10

An off night for the talented youngster, who struggled to impose himself on the pitch and dominate the opposition like usual.

CM- Yasin Ayari – 7/10

He played a key role in delivering a pitch-perfect ball for the equalizer via a set-piece routine.

CAM- Georgino Rutter – 6/10

A performance below expected standards, as he was not able to influence the game with his forward passing and creative attempts.

LW- Kaoro Mitoma – 5.5/10

While there were moments of brilliance, he struggled to beat his man and got subbed off early as a result.

ST- Joao Pedro – 7.5/10

He did a fantastic job of winning a penalty and converting it late in the game to provide all three points to his side.

RW- Yankuba Minteh – 5/10

It was not his evening, as he failed to trouble the opposition’s defence with his runs and dynamic presence.

SUB- Diego Gomez – 5.5/10

His overall contributions, despite not being sparkly, were effective and helped the team overall.

SUB- Solly March – 5.5/10

He provided an additional attacking option and added energy to the attack that was struggling to score.

SUB- Danny Welbeck – 6/10

He looked threatening in aerial duels and pressing the opposition but failed to make a goal contribution.

SUB- Simon Adingra – NA

A brief cameo did not make any sort of difference apart from providing fresh legs.

SUB- Mats Wieffer – NA

He was added into the midfield late into the game for some energetic display, which he showed.

Manager- Fabian Hurzeler – 7/10

A fantastic result to push his side into the Champions League spots. While there was a luck factor involved, his side did a fantastic job to trouble the opposition.

Fulham Player Ratings

GK- Bernd Leno – 7/10

He made many key saves and kept his side in the match. It was unfortunate to end up on the losing side this evening.

LB- Antonee Robinson – 6.5/10

The captain’s presence on the left flank rarely goes unnoticed. His defensive work today was a bit shabby and even got booked during the process.

CB- Issa Diop – 5.5/10

He struggled to catch up with the attackers of the hosts occasionally, which opened up spaces for them to exploit.

CB- Joachim Andersen – 6/10

A composed display in possession and a calm performance off the ball, making timely tackles and interceptions.

CB- Calvin Bassey – 5.5/10

A moderate display, with moments of defensive brilliance sprinkled around.

RB- Timothy Castagne – 7/10

He was energetic running up and down the flank. His presence was noticed on both ends of the pitch.

CM- Sander Berge – 6.5/10

He played a key role in winning the ball back and recycling it forward, thereby establishing a defensive solidarity.

CM- Andreas Pereira – 6/10

He lacked the creative presence he usually has, failing to create consistent chances and influence in key moments.

CAM- Emile Smith Rowe- 5/10

The Hale End academy boy showed moments of brilliance but did not have any goal contributions to his name at the end of the game.

CAM- Alex Iwobi – 7.5/10

He orchestrated the opening goal with a fantastic, pin-point cross and was making dynamic runs throughout the match.

ST- Raul Jimenez- 6.5/10

Outside of the opening goal, his impact on the game was very limited and got subbed off rightfully.

SUB- Rodrigo Muniz – 5.5/10

The backup forward failed to make an impact after getting subbed in to score a goal.

SUB- Harrison Reed – 5/10

He would be disappointed in himself after conceding a penalty so late into the game.

SUB- Willian – NA

The experienced forward brought his flair onto the pitch to make a difference but failed to do so.

SUB- Ryan Sessegnon – NA

His limited time on the pitch did not allow him to make an impact.

Manager- Marco Silva – 6.5/10

His team was disciplined throughout the game. The defensive effort was resilient but were unlucky to end up on the losing side, thanks to conceding a stupid penalty.

The Sportsdunia Player of the Match goes to Brighton’s Joao Pedro.