Albion were beaten by the better side as they lost 2-0 at Arsenal.
The shining lights from the Seagulls came, perhaps inevitably, from the players most directly in the firing line, specifically the centre-back and the goalkeeper.
There was no lack of effort from the visitors and lower marks elsewhere were as much as a result of circumstance – and the fact they were up against a superior team on the day.
Bart Verbruggen 8/10
An excellent game other than on the first goal and in conceding the corner which led to it. Calm and reassuring and made some good saves, the best of them one-handed from an Odegaard blast.
Joel Veltman 6/10
Was helping Albion cling to parity when injury struck. That moment feels more worrying than the result.
Jan Paul van Hecke 8/10
Unfortunate on the opening goal which followed his last-ditch challenge. Was beaten on occasions on-on-one but the main repellent of Arsenal in the first half.
Lewis Dunk 9/10
A huge performance. Stood firm with van Hecke and put his body on the line as a barrier to Arsenal’s frequent attacks. Saved a goal with a clearance from almost under the bar and his passing was good.
James Milner 5/10
Given a tough role and struggled to contain Saka while also below par in possession.
Billy Gilmour 6/10
Some hard work and chasing but Albion never got their build-up play going.
Pascal Gross 6/10
Fleeting chances to create. Poked the best chance wide after good movement and whipped in a cross with which Hinshelwood could not make telling connection.
Simon Adingra 5/10
Threatened to get into dangerous areas but ultimately offered no real threat other than a poor cross which Raya fumbled.
Adam Lallana 5/10
Played for longer than has been the case and put himself about in competitive fashion but did not cause Arsenal any alarms.
Kaoru Mitoma 7/10
While often snuffed out, his acceleration and positivity led directly to his team’s best chance and Arsenal’s only yellow card. Was aware of his defensive tasks.
Evan Ferguson 6/10
A hard one to judge but struggled to hold on to possession in tough circumstances.
Subs - Jack Hinshelwood 6/10
Was quickly being caused problems at right-back after replacing Veltman but got into a couple of great positions in the quest for an equaliser.
Joao Pedro 7/10
Made just a bit more happen than had been the case and unlocked Arsenal for the Gross chance.
Facundo Buonanotte 6/10
Didn’t really make a difference after going in a triple change.
Igor 6/10
Relieved Milner at left-back.
Danny Welbeck N/A
Good to see him back.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel