Player ratings as Seagulls stand for vital away win

Brighton took all three points from Leeds United on Saturday afternoon as Graham Potter’s side clinched a 1-0 win at Elland Road to secure their first Premier League win in ten.

The hosts had the best of the opening rally but it was Brighton who broke the deadlock after a fantastic team move involving Leandro Trossard and Alexis Mac Allister resulted in the latter squaring the ball for Neal Maupay fits into an empty net.

The Seagulls remained unusually determined throughout the first half and could have doubled their advantage as a cross from Trossard was deflected over the Leeds crossbar.

The second half was less hectic than the first, with neither side creating too many opportunities at the start. Jack Harrison had an effort from the right side of the box whistle just off the far post, while Trossard should have doubled the visitors’ lead from a reduction of Maupay.

Adam Webster forced goalkeeper Kiko Casilla to make a late save which ultimately prompted Leeds to put some pressure on Brighton’s back line. But the hosts couldn’t find a way through, giving the Seagulls three valuable points.

Now to the odds.

Kiko Casilla (GK) – 6/10 – There wasn’t much I could do about the goal and was rarely confused afterward. Made a decent backup of Webster.

Stuart Dallas (RB) – 5/10 – Usually Leeds full-backs are full of dynamism, but Dallas can’t seem to inject any life into the game – nor into its performance.

Luke Ayling (CB) – 5/10 – He could have prevented the opener if he had followed Maupay to the back post and struggled with some Brighton moves.

Liam Cooper (CB) – 6/10 – The Scotsman has won possession five times and has seen the ball a lot, with 110 touches. Unfortunately for Leeds, he couldn’t make them count.

Ezgjan Alioski (LB) – 6/10 – It was the hosts’ main threat in the first half, setting up some lavish crosses. Didn’t have the same impact on the second, however, and even presented a chance to the opposition who should have made two.

Pascal Struijk (DM) – 6/10 – Struggled to replace Kalvin Phillips at the base midfielder, without really closing the spaces in front of the Leeds backline.

Rodrigo (CM) – 3/10 – Had a golden chance in the opening five minutes thanks to an Alioski cross he failed to convert. Had very little impact on play, amassing just 20 hits before retiring.

Mateusz Klich (CM) – 5/10 – One hit and 63 touches on the ball – very calm.

Jack Harrison (RW) – 6/10 – Was fairly calm throughout, but was unlucky not to score with an effort that flew tightly.

Patrick Bamford (ST) – 5/10 – Occupying three great center-backs proved too heavy in the first 45 minutes, as he came in at halftime touching the ball just four times. I didn’t do much better in the second.

Raphina (LW) – 5/10 – The Brazilian couldn’t affect play on the left side, failing to register a shot on goal.

62 ‘First replacement for #LUFC, Roberts for Rodrigo. 0-1 pic.twitter.com/EFXXDhNRx7

– Leeds United (@LUFC) January 16, 2021

Tyler Roberts (ST) – 6/10

Pablo Hernandez (CM) – 5/10

Ian Poveda (LW) – N / A

Robert Sanchez (GK) – 6/10 – The Spaniard looked very confident, showing good handling when the ball hit him.

Adam Webster (CB) – 8/10 – Coming out of defense several times to distribute the ball in a fantastic way. A solid day at the back, and even looked like an offensive threat, making almost two to ten minutes to go.

Lewis Dunk (CB) – 7/10 – Very competent at the rear, we know. Two interceptions and five clearances made it crucial for the Seagulls.

Dan Burn (CB) – 6/10 – Was rather overshadowed by the performances of his two defensive colleagues, but still had a good game. Did well against a very dangerous Leeds right side.

Joel Veltman (RWB) – 8/10 – It could have been a scorching 90 minutes against Leeds’ pacy wingers, but the Dutchman handled his opposition very well, making five tackles, two interceptions and four clearances.

Pascal Gross (CM) – 7/10 – He always seemed to find pockets of space to provide an outlet for colleagues in a hurry. Crucial in the way Brighton came out. An unsung hero in the field.

Ben White (CM) – 8/10 – Seemed to be able to outdo the Leeds press with ease – maybe some prior knowledge? – and chose pockets of space as well as providing a solid screen for its back line.

Solly March (LWB) – 6/10 – Progressed the ball well forward while maintaining good defensive form. What more could you want?

? @ nealmaupay18 ?#LEEBHA pic.twitter.com/WtteaLcurq

– Premier League (@premierleague) January 16, 2021

Leandro Trossard (RW) – 7/10 – The Belgian should have done two on time, but played a crucial role in preparing for the first. Was brilliant and efficient, finishing his game with 90% passing accuracy.

Neal Maupay (ST) – 7/10 – Capped a brilliant team move to bring the score to 1-0 in the first half. I couldn’t get into the game after the break, but after scoring his third goal in four starts, he won’t mind.

Alexis Mac Allister (LW) – 7/10 – Showed real glimpses of the quality before it got removed on time. Provided help for Maupay after a brilliant interaction with Trossard.

↪️ @Yves_Bissouma get into the action.

? Another great performance from @alemacallister!

? https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv#BHAFC ? | 0-1 pic.twitter.com/jayoKCCuqM

– Brighton and Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 16, 2021

Yves Bissouma (CM) – 7/10 – I came to solidify the Brighton midfielder and that’s exactly what I did. Calm, cool and focused on the ball – it’s easy to see why he’s in demand.

Percy Tau (ST) – 5/10

Davy Propper (CM) – 6/10