Man City vs Brighton Player Ratings: Verbruggen Shines as Albion Win 1-0

The high flying Seagulls continued their memorable campaign with a 1-0 win for Brighton against top of the table Manchester City, continuing Fabian Hurzeler’s unbeaten Premier League record against the Sky Blues. 

Following the disappointing manner in which Albion exited the Carabao Cup against the same opponents only a few days prior, it was evident that the Seagulls felt a sense of revenge and wanted to redeem themselves. 

The win was no means easy for the Albion though, they had to contend with many City chances being thrown their way in a very nerve wracking 45 minutes for the Albion faithful. 

Let’s review each Albion’s player performance and rate it /10…..

Starting XI

Bart Verbruggen - 9.7 

The best Brighton player on the pitch. Our Dutchman again had an incredible performance, with some remarkable saves, seven in total, the second most by any Premier League goalkeeper so far this season.

City’s star man Erling Haaland even had nothing but praise for the Seagulls goalkeeper, personally congratulating him for his performance at the FT whistle. 

In his post match interview, the striker emphasised:

“Honestly, I can’t remember the last time a goalkeeper made things this difficult for us. We kept creating chances, finding spaces and getting into dangerous positions, but somehow, he was always there to stop us.” 

The Dutchman deserves all his credit today. 

Lewis Dunk - 9.3

The defender had a solid performance. Most notably performing an excellent block stopping Haaland from equalising towards the end of the first half. 

He is showing no sign of slowing down!

Luka Vuskovic - 9.2

The Croatian won absolutely everything he needed to win this afternoon. A top quality performance alongside his partner in Dunk. Vuskovic in deep blocks is something to admire, and his box defending helped contribute to a memorable defensive performance. 

Olivier Boscagli - 7.9

Boscagli had a mixed game. While being very good on the ball and progressing forwards, the Monacan seemed to struggle somewhat defensively against Illiman Ndiaye. His substitution in place for Hadjam was fair. 

Joao Costinha - 8.9

A solid 90 minutes from Costinha. 

When the team news was released, a lot of Albion fans were apprehensive of how the Portuguese right back was going to deal with Jeremy Doku, but he was kept relatively quiet and dealt with him well, showing strength and successfully intercepting the ball from Doku. 

Chema Andrés - 8.5

While it wasn’t the finest game from Chema, the young Spaniard doubled up on Ndiaye well when he needed to. 

He often had a good eye for pass, and did break up the play well in the middle of the park. For a 21 year old, his composure in the middle of the park against top level opposition is rather staggering. 

Pascal Groß - 8.5

The Albion legend had a quieter game in comparison to previous weeks, not too much of a surprise to Albion fans, after playing another 90+ minute game. How does he does it?!

He looked like he was struggling at FT and in the tunnel from the clubs social media posts, we hope that he isn’t injured and we can give him a well deserved break! 

Diego Gomez - 8.6

A strong performance from Gomez today, he played a spectacular cross into Maxim De Cuyper who assisted Yasin Ayari for Albion’s winning goal of the afternoon. 

He pressed well and doesn’t stop running, the effort he gives to every game is commendable. 

Maxim De Cuyper - 8.6

The Belgian had a decent game. Setting up the match winning goal, but also missing key opportunities to extend the Albion lead. 

De Cuyper wins the ball back well and battled throughout the game, and there is no knocking his work ethic. 

With that said, it could be fair to say he is beginning to look a little leggy after an intense period of fixtures recently. 

Yasin Ayari - 9

An improved performance from the Swedish midfielder, getting himself into good space with a composed finish for Brighton's winning goal. He had some good moments in possession and has good ability in runs to break forward.

Charalampos Kostoulas - 8.3

Although a quieter game in front of goal for the Greek teenager, with little in the way of chances, Babis showed good movements off the ball, getting into spaces to help break down City’s questionable defence at times. 

 Substitutions

Jaouen Hadjam - 9.2

Coming on for Olivier Boscagli in the 65th minute, Hadjam played a key role in containing City’s constant second half pressure on the left side alongside Malick Yalcouye to give Albion the three points and making a massive impact. 

Has rightly earned himself a place in the starting XI for me, he has had a very promising start in an Albion shirt. 

Georginio Rutter - 9

Georginio had a brilliant cameo this afternoon. From driving the ball forwards, winning battles, and even almost scoring and assisting a goal himself. 

The Frenchman did everything that was asked of him in his short period of time, and how it was effective! Arguably, won us the game with his inputs and breaking up the sustained City pressure.

Mats Weiffer - 8.1 

Mats Wieffer had a shock to the first few moments of his Albion Premier League return, but quickly adapted to finding his feet. 

The Dutchman could play a bigger role in midfield now that the right-back issue has somewhat settled. 

Malick Yalcouye - 9

Another impactful substitution by Hurzeler, another example of top game management by the German manager. 

Yalcouye, alongside Hadjam bought some much needed freshness, to close down spaces made by City’s attack, this helped to alleviate some of the pressure Manchester City were giving to the the Seagulls.

Another strong performance. 

Jack Hinshelwood - 8.8

Another solid substitution. Jack Hinshelwood played a important role in squashing City’s pressure late on in the game, and even had a chance of his own to double Albion’s lead after a pass from Georginio Rutter following some good holdup play from the Frenchman. 

The 21 year-old chipped the shot just wide. It’s so good to see him back.