Shot of the Brighton and Hove Albion badge on the East side of the Amex Stadium from a distance
Credit: The Brighton Base
Brighton dug deep to hold on for a 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Wednesday night.
In a game where both sides highlighted their defensive frailties, it was City who struck first after 41 minutes when VAR ruled that Diego Gomez had fouled Jeremy Doku inside the penalty area, leaving Erling Haaland with the simple task of converting from the spot.
After a slow start to the second half, the Seagulls hit back through a piece of individual brilliance from Kaoru Mitoma on the hour mark. The Japan international jinked his way off of the left before whipping his strike into the far corner and beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Haaland and Rayan Cherki both had chances late on to secure all three points for Pep Guardiola’s side, notably pouncing on disastrous errors from Yasin Ayari, but the title challengers ultimately had to settle for a point.
The Brighton Base takes a look at how Fabian Hurzeler’s side fared at the Etihad Stadium…
Bart Verbruggen – 8
Made some vital saves in the second half, particularly to deny Haaland late on. Instilled a sense of calm when building out from the back, despite some shaky moments from those on the receiving end of his passes.
Jack Hinshelwood – 6
A steady showing from the Englishman out in right-back. Was caught flatfooted on a few occasions but worked hard to make up for those errors. Didn’t look out of place when tucking in as a makeshift centre-back through phases.
Jan Paul van Hecke – 9
Up against Haaland, the Dutchman, once again, rose to the occasion. Physically matched the towering striker, preventing the No. 9 from turning and using his pace and power to cause issues. Made countless important clearances and interceptions as well. Booked.
Lewis Dunk – 8
The Seagulls skipper made up for another silly booking with some goal-saving blocks and challenges.
Maxim De Cuyper – 4
A performance which highlighted the Belgian’s worrying weaknesses in defence. Made some silly challenges to compensate for his uneasiness against the likes of Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden. Simply has to improve if he is to assert himself as Brighton’s left-back in the long term. Booked.
Pascal Gross – 6
The German came close to marking his second Brighton debut with a goal early on when forcing a good save from Donnarumma with a header from close range. His impact dwindled as the game played out, but, nevertheless, his experience and leadership cannot be understated. Booked.
Yasin Ayari – 4 (Milner, 83’)
An evening to forget for the Swedish international. Not once, but twice did the midfielder come incredibly close to gifting City a second goal when passing the ball to opponents inside the Brighton penalty area. Will need to put this performance behind him this weekend.
Diego Gomez – 4 (Gruda, 77’)
Almost hitting the ball backwards from just a few yards out summed up his display. His clumsy challenge on Doku was asking for the Belgian to go down, and the midfielder never recovered from that error. Wasteful in possession, aimless in his press. Capable of more.
Ferdi Kadioglu – 9
The 26-year-old just cannot stop improving. Provided plenty of energy and pace out wide, whilst also showing his defensive strength during spells where the Seagulls found themselves under the cosh. Made another goal-line clearance from a corner and is one of the first names on the team sheet for Hurzeler at present.
Georginio Rutter – 7 (Welbeck, 77’)
City’s high line and aggressive press played into the hands of the Frenchman as a No. 9. Held the ball up well and showed his range of passes with some piercing balls through to the likes of Gomez and Kadioglu.
Kaoru Mitoma – 8 (Watson, 83’)
Although still not fully fit, the winger continues to show his class. Took his goal expertly well and was unfortunate not to register an assist when teeing up Gomez from close range. A constant threat down the left. Booked for a cynical foul on Foden.
Substitutes
Brajan Gruda – 5
Couldn’t make the ball stick after coming on, misplacing four of his seven attempted passes – including one inside his own penalty area. Needs to come through this poor spell.
Danny Welbeck – 6
Entered the game at a time when City were on top, limiting the striker to just four touches.
James Milner – N/A
Tommy Watson – N/A
DON'T MISS