Albion put in a lacklustre performance against Crawley but saw off League One opposition in a game where the score line was somewhat flattering.

Despite areas to improve, Brighton will still take some positives - and some players shone bright despite the criticisms.

Starting XI

Bart Verbruggen 7.5

Forced into a few good saves but never looked in trouble. Injury rust seems non-existent as he comfortably dealt with most Crawley threats. He will hope to continue his good form from last season and the Euros.

Imari Samuels 6.5

Good for his competitive senior debut. Beaten once or twice down the left side but overall a passable defensive showing.

Tariq Lamptey 6.5

Held the line well but often outpaced by Rushian Hepburn-Murphy who got in behind. Faced a lot of threats down his channel from Crawley, but no goals conceded.

Adam Webster 7.5

Strong in defence and lead from the back. Found himself quite far up the pitch at times and offered some creativity from midfield. Well-rewarded with a goal from a set piece.

Igor Julio 6.5

An uneventful performance. Strong at the back and partnered well with Webster but was not forced out of his comfort zone by Crawley’s attacking threat.

Carlos Baleba 8

Assisted the first goal. A pivot point in midfield who created a number of chances. Took a more prominent attacking role after O’Riley’s injury.

Yasin Ayari 7

Non-descript performance. Offered little in attack and played well in defence despite getting booked.

Simon Adingra 8

One of the bright spark of Albion’s performance and one of only a few of the first teamers from United to play. Scored the first goal and offered crosses into the box for Enciso and Sarmiento.

Jeremy Sarmiento 8

Made a number of good runs and turns in the box and clinically finished for the second goal. Looked threatening whenever he was in possession.

Matt O’Riley n/a

What a shame. In the short performance that we saw O’Riley looked to be a free-flowing midfielder whose play was easy on the eye and really fit into Huerzeler’s style of play.

Let’s hope that injury is not serious. From the way he limped off the pitch that Albion fans may fear the worst.

Julio Enciso 8.5

Albion’s best player. Set up the second goal in spectacular fashion and shone both on and off the ball. Could, and possibly should, have had his own goal midway through the second half. But other than that looked exciting.

Substitutes

Mark O'Mahony 8

After being thrust into a prominent role early after O’Riley’s injury, O’Mahony held his own. Creative in the middle of the park he leaned on Enciso at times to make chances but overall added to the team performance. Deserved the fourth goal for his efforts.

Cameron Peupion n/a

Saw little of the ball in his substitute performance but what he did was hard hitting. Swung the ball in from the corner that saw Adam Webster score and was often in space on the right wing.

Pervis Estupinan n/a

The story of his night will simply be his return. After a long awaited return he received a great reception and fans will look forward to seeing him again. A short performance but he looks to be getting back on his feet.

Odel Offiah n/a

Came on for Tariq Lamptey at a point where Crawley were offering little attacking threat. Not challenged significantly but did well with his limited time.

Jensen Weir n/a

As with Offiah only saw a limited cameo. A good run out for the youngster who will value the first team minutes regardless.