Yankuba Minteh scored twice but Brighton let a commanding lead slip in a 2-2 draw with Southampton, in their penultimate pre-season friendly.
Brighton had have won all of their tune-up matches before the trip to St Mary’s – against Wycombe Wanderers, Stoke City, Las Palmas and Coventry City.
But they were all played behind closed doors – so the friendly against Will Still’s Southampton at St Mary's on Saturday (August 2) was the first time for Brighton fans to see their team in pre-season action.
The travelling Seagulls supporters saw their team dominate proceedings for most of the match.
Yankuba Minteh scored twice but Brighton let a commanding lead slip in a 2-2 draw with Southampton, in their penultimate pre-season friendly. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)placeholder image
Yankuba Minteh scored twice but Brighton let a commanding lead slip in a 2-2 draw with Southampton, in their penultimate pre-season friendly. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Georginio Rutter, who returned to the team following a season-ending injury in the FA Cup quarter-final against Nottingham Forest in March, almost opened the scoring but saw his shot well-saved.
The Frenchman turned provider for Minteh, who drifted in from the right and coolly curled one low into the bottom corner. It was the second time Minteh put the ball past Gavin Bazunu but his first goal was harshly ruled out for a foul on Ryan Manning.
Minteh was a real livewire and had a chance to double the visitors’ lead when he was played through on goal but – after sitting a defender down – his pass was behind Mitoma when he perhaps should have gone alone.
The 21-year-old eventually got his second goal, though, with a finish almost identical to his first after he was found by Yasin Ayari.
This was his last action of the game before he was replaced by Harry Howell.
Having been in cruise control, Brighton took their foot off the gas and were made to pay.
Southampton pulled one back through Jay Robinson, whose strike took a big deflection off Lewis Dunk and a diving Jason Steele couldn't reach it
The Saints suddenly were piling on the pressure and were given a penalty with 15 minutes remaining. It was messy from a Brighton point of view and it was Matt O’Riley who was seemingly adjudged to have handballed it – but it looked harsh. Jan Paul van Hecke was booked for his protests.
Adam Armstrong made no mistake from the spot for Southampton, who looked the most likely team to find a winner but they ran out of time.
Here’s how we rated Brighton’s players:
Jason Steele – 8: Got his chance to impress, with Bart Verbruggen still yet to feature in pre-season as he recovers from a knee injury. Excellent with his feet today and he was quick off his line when called upon. Three or four times his play out from the back sent the Seagulls flying forward. Not much he could have done about either of the goals.
Mats Wieffer – 6: Worked hard in the right-back role. Offered an outlet going forward and kept the ball ticking over nicely. Didn’t cover himself in glory defensively late on. Perhaps a reluctant right back but he has the potential to be a very good one.
Maxim De Cuyper – 7: The summer signing was influential in the build-up to the opening goal with a clever pass. The Belgium international – a replacement for Pervis Estupinan – has previously been praised by Fabian Hurzeler for his creativity. He started to show signs of a dynamic partnership with Kaoru Mitoma on the left flank. The 24-year-old looks a solid signing and should be ready to step straight into the first team.
Lewis Dunk – 7: Will be looking to improve on a rocky season. He was clearly full of confidence, evidenced by his audacious effort from the half way line, which landed onto the roof of the net. The skipper was mostly solid defensively until his unfortunate deflection led to Southampton’s comeback. He struggled to restore control of the defence as the Saints threatened to find a winner.
Jan Paul van Hecke – 7: Was picked to start amid uncertainty over his Brighton future. He’s a key man, proved when he was named Brighton’s player of the 2024/25 season, so it’s vital he stays. Had a header well-saved from a corner and he was his usual composed self until the late collapse all round. Booked for his protests after O’Riley handled.
Yasin Ayari – 7: Quietly went about his business and looked comfortable for most of the match. Set up Minteh’s second goal. Will be looking to build on an impressive season, where he solidified himself as one of Hurzeler’s favourites. Booked late on.
Matt O’Riley – 7: Impressed again in a more advanced role. Nice build up play and pressing before Minteh’s disallowed goal. So close to doubling Brighton's lead from close range after Minteh's cutback. Harshly penalised for a handball for Southampton’s penalty.
Diego Gomez – 6: Some nice moments and contributed to Brighton’s domination for an hour before things unravelled. Needless booking was his last action of the game – the midfielder was replaced by Andrew Moran
Yankuba Minteh – 9: After seeing one goal ruled out for a foul, the Gambian forward scored two sublime goals which were almost a carbon copy – either side of half time. There was nothing the Saints defenders could do to stop him when he cut in on his left and lined up a shot for the far corner. Could have had another goal to his name earlier but he unselfishly squared it to Kaoru Mitoma – who overran the ball and the chance was gone.
Georginio Rutter – 8: Had Brighton’s first real chance. His powerful shot was well saved. He then provided the assist for Minteh’s first goal. The Frenchman looked sharp and it was great to see him back in action after his season-ending injury in the FA Cup quarter-final against Nottingham Forest in March. Quite like Georginio in the false nine role. He links so well with Minteh and Mitoma and should offer a goal-threat as well.
Kaoru Mitoma – 6: It’s so good to see him in a Brighton shirt after he was heavily linked with a move away. Some lovely first touches, as we have come to expect. Will be disappointed not to have gone on the scoresheet, when he overran Minteh’s unselfish cut-back.
Substitutes:
Harry Howell – 6: Replaced Minteh after the second goal. Very nearly teed up Sima with a cross to the far post. Promising signs from the academy graduate, who made his Premier League debut last season.
Andrew Moran – 6: The 21-year-old, who has been given a first-team squad number, could be set for a big season. Some encouraging signs but plenty more to come.
Abdallah Sima – 6: Not far away from getting on the scoresheet after his introduction. His future is uncertain, with reports that Championship club Norwich are considering a bid for the Senegal international, who previously impressed while on loan at Rangers.
Jacob Slater – N/A
Charlie Penman – N/A
Charlie Tasker – N/A
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