Credit: The Brighton Base
Brighton put an end to their poor run of form with a professional 2-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
Arriving on the back of just one win in their last 13 Premier League matches, the Seagulls quickly settled at the Gtech Community Stadium, and they certainly deserved their lead after 30 minutes.
After Ferdi Kadioglu’s strike ricocheted back off the crossbar, it was Diego Gomez who was on hand to break Brighton’s duck with a cool finish back across Caoimhin Kelleher.
Danny Welbeck then all but put the game to bed on the stroke of half-time, pouncing on a catastrophic error from Nathan Collins to tuck home his ninth goal of the campaign.
Brighton then leaned on the experience within their ranks to see out the match, with the Bees being limited to just a few half-chances late on, which they squandered tamely.
The Brighton Base takes a look at how Fabian Hurzeler’s side fared on Saturday.
**Bart Verbruggen – 8**
The Dutchman recorded his sixth clean sheet of the campaign in comfortable fashion. Made an excellent save to prevent a Joel Veltman own goal and stood tall to prevent a Mikkel Damsgaard chip late on.
**Mats Wieffer – 8 (Veltman, 65’)**
Returned to the Brighton starting XI in style with a strong display. Kept Dango Ouattara quiet throughout, whilst also linking up play nicely down the right. Booked for a clumsy challenge early on, which, to his credit, didn’t throw him off his stride.
**Lewis Dunk – 7**
Led by example in central defence, making some key challenges throughout against the physical Igor Thiago, who endured a difficult afternoon.
**Jan Paul van Hecke – 7**
Showed his tactical versatility with a restrained performance, opting against roaming into midfield and instead ensuring the Brighton backline remained as a solid unit of four.
**Ferdi Kadioglu – 6**
Once again, the Turkish international was unfortunate not to score when his effort hit the crossbar. Was otherwise strong at both ends of the pitch, though he didn’t make the most significant of impacts. Booked for a needless foul early in the second half.
**James Milner – 9 (Baleba, 90’)**
A display which epitomised why the veteran now holds the record for [the most Premier League appearances](https://thebrightonbase.com/brighton-news-james-milner-premier-league-record-andrew-crofts/). Professional at both ends of the pitch, composed in possession and slowed the game down at the right times. The leader that the Seagulls needed whilst stuck in a rut.
**Pascal Gross – 6**
Never truly managed to stamp his authority on the game, but his movement allowed others to impress in attacking areas. Worked hard up until the very final whistle to get his side over the line, and demanded the same from his teammates.
**Diego Gomez – 7 (De Cuyper, 76’)**
The Paraguayan is starting to learn from some of his errors out wide. Showed a willingness to stretch the pitch, whilst also tracking back to prevent Brentford left-back Rico Henry from making his presence felt. Took his goal well.
**Jack Hinshelwood – 6**
In an unnatural No. 10 role, the Englishman emerged with credit. His boisterous nature in that area proved more useful out of possession than in it, preventing the Bees from building out with smart positioning and pressing.
**Kaoru Mitoma – 6**
The Japan international could have bagged at least a brace on another day. Was a constant threat down the left with his bursts of acceleration and neat close control, and he will be disappointed to have wasted some big chances early on.
**Danny Welbeck – 7**
In a tactical set-up which suited his skillset, the forward showed plenty of promise. Held up the ball well, pressed aggressively and roamed across the frontline to make space for Gomez and Mitoma. Dropped very deep out of possession at times, which proved useful on this occasion.
**Substitutes**
**Joel Veltman – 6**
Answered the few questions that were asked of him. Looked destined to deflect a cross into the back of his own net before Verbruggen spared his blushes with a great reaction save.
**Maxim De Cuyper – 6**
Only had seven touches after entering the fray, but he was introduced for solidity rather than to provide a cutting edge.
**Carlos Baleba – N/A**