How the Albion players rated in the FA Cup third round tie at Carrow Road
For 10 minutes Brighton wobbled, for four brief moments they were ruthless and for the rest they cruised as they recorded a 4-0 FA Cup third round victory at Carrow Road.
Norwich played decent football in the opening period and could easily have taken the lead as Amankwah Forson’s left footed effort crashed off the post. Captain for the day Jason Steele puffed out his cheeks in relief and that was about as good as it got for the home side.
Despite injuries to Brighton’s Joao Pedro and Evan Ferguson, Albion these days can rotate as £70m worth of talent Yankuba Minteh and Georgino Rutter returned to the starting XI and they made their mark.
Rutter scored his first goal since October as he powered home a header on 37 minutes from Joel Veltman’s cross. The lively Minteh then teed-up Rutter for his second with a perfectly weighted pass and the former Leeds United man smashed it beyond home keeper George Long.
Julio Enciso expertly made it 3-0 on the hour as he picked Cullum Doyle’s pocket and finished well from an acute angle. The loudest cheer however arrived on 74 minutes when Solly March, on as substitute for Minteh, curled in a beauty from 20 yards to make it 4-0. It was March’s first goal since returning from an ACL injury. It sealed a safe passage to the FA Cup fourth round but Brighton will be back in East Anglia on Thursday as they face Ipswich Town in the Premier League. Here’s how they rated…
Jason Steele – 7: The experienced stopper was happy to see Forson’s 17th minute effort crash back off the post. But otherwise a comfortable afternoon for Albion’s skipper for the day.
Joel Veltman – 7: The ultra-reliable Dutchman rarely looked troubled and was replaced by Jakub Moder on 78 minutes with Ipswich in mind. He would likely have been rested today had Tariq Lamptey not picked up an illness.
Adam Webster – 7: A real highlight for the day. Looked very comfortable at the back and an important 60 minutes following his hamstring injury. He will be needed in the weeks ahead with Dunk and Igor struggling with injuries
Jan Paul Van Hecke – 7: Another who would have probably had a rest if injuries had not been an issue. Once again, a top performance and never put a foot wrong albeit against a limited Norwich attack.
-Pervis Estupinan – 7: Played the full 90 minutes and the Ecuadorian looks back to his best once again now that he’s had a run of games. He just needs a fully fired-up Mitoma ahead of him.
Carlos Baleba – 7: A powerful presence in the centre of the park. Never really had to get out of second gear but still managed to control the midfield battle along with Yasin Ayari.
Age Setting – 8 Very impressed with Ayari today. Hurzeler’s main man in midfield never stopped running. Continued to lead the press and always looked to be an option going forward. Better use of the ball than in previous matches.
Yankuba Minteh – 7: Showed his pace on 20 minutes as he powered to the byline and cut back for Rutter who saw his effort blocked. A good outing for the Gambian but he took a couple of whacks towards the end and hobbled off on 71 minutes. Brighton will hope it’s nothing serious.
Julio Enciso – 8: Played the furthest forward and worked well with Rutter. Had a first-time shot well blocked on 35 minutes but his deserved goal arrived on 59 minutes as he stole possession and slotted home nicely at the far post.
Kaoru Mitoma – 6: Back on the left flank and a mixed bag for the Japan international. Clever and dangerous at times but also gave the ball away too easily. A bit subdued and Brighton need him back to his best as quick as possible.
Georginio Rutter – 9: Two excellent goals for the £40m summer signing from Leeds. His first was a fine header from Veltman’s cross and the second was a powerful right-footed finish from Minteh’s pass. Well played and my man of the match.
Substitutes: Danny Welbeck – 6: Made his return from an ankle injury as he came on for the final 30 minutes. Brajan Gruda – 6: A clever assist for Solly March’s goal. Ruairi McConville – 6: A big moment for the Northern Ireland international as he made his Albion debut. Solly March – 6: The loudest cheer of the day as March curled home the fourth. Solly, Solly March! JAkub Moder – 6: Slotted in at right back for the final stages.
Continue Reading
Related News :