Brighton Player Ratings at Crystal Palace: A Chaotic Defeat at Selhurst Park
Brighton & Hove Albion’s push for a top-five Premier League finish took a major hit in a chaotic 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Despite Palace finishing with nine men, the Seagulls couldn’t capitalise.
The match began poorly for Brighton, with Jean-Philippe Mateta smashing in an early opener after slick work from Eberechi Eze. Brighton responded well, gradually gaining control and equalising on 31 minutes. Yankuba Minteh delivered a pinpoint cross, and Danny Welbeck finished smartly first-time past Dean Henderson.
Brighton looked stronger after the break, but were undone again on the counter. Eze played provider once more, setting up Daniel Muñoz who fired into the bottom corner.
Palace’s discipline crumbled late on—Eddie Nketiah received two yellows in quick succession, followed by Marc Guehi’s dismissal. Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke also saw red in the closing stages. Despite 12 minutes of added time, Palace held on with nine men, frustrating the visitors.
**Player Ratings:**
**Bart Verbruggen – 5**
Beaten by Mateta’s strike and perhaps slow to react on the second. Did well to stop Eze early on.
**Jack Hinshelwood – 6**
Struggled with Eze at first but grew into the game and began to push forward.
**Lewis Dunk – 6**
Shaky start but settled and remained composed throughout.
**Jan Paul van Hecke – 6**
Booked early, defended solidly overall but sent off late for a second yellow.
**Pervis Estupiñán – 6**
Had trouble with Sarr and Muñoz, including the second goal, but offered attacking intent.
**Carlos Baleba – 6**
Tested Henderson early on and showed glimpses of quality, but can offer more.
**Diego Gómez – 6**
Energetic and dangerous going forward. A promising presence before being subbed due to cramp.
**Matt O’Riley – 5**
Given a rare start but couldn’t make an impact. Subbed off on the hour mark.
**Kaoru Mitoma – 5**
Showed flashes of creativity and more aggression in tackles, but limped off on 62 minutes.
**Yankuba Minteh – 6**
Provided a great assist but was inconsistent in possession. Worked hard before being subbed.
**Danny Welbeck – 7**
Brighton’s standout performer. Scored a sharp equaliser and constantly tested the Palace defence.
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