Brighton player ratings vs Crystal Palace: Joel Veltman class but Neal Maupay and Adam Lallana way off target
By Derren Howard
Published 22nd Feb 2021, 22:33 BST
Updated 23rd Feb 2021, 11:11 BST
A cracking volley from Christian Benteke sealed a 2-1 smash and grab victory for Crystal Palace against Brighton at the Amex Stadium
Brighton dominated the match pretty much from start to finish but classy finishes from Palace in each half sealed all three points and relieved some pressure on boss Roy Hodgson.
Mateta put the visitors ahead on 28 minutes with a very clever back heel after great work down the right from Jordan Ayew.
Brighton continued to push forward and finally got the equaliser they deserved in the second half when Joel Veltman smashed home with his left foot.
Adam Lallana, Leo Trossard and Ali Jahanbakhsh all missed chances to win the game but it was Benteke who struck with an excellent volley on 95 minutes.
Scroll down and click through to see Sam Morton's player ratings
Brighton continued to push forward and finally got the equaliser they deserved in the second half when Joel Veltman smashed home with his left foot.
9. Steven Alzate 5
Unable to make an impact from wing-back and replaced by Danny Welbeck at half-time as Graham Potter reacted to scoreline with an attacking change
10. Neal Maupay 5
You can't fault his effort but Maupay's end product should be questioned. He missed a great opportunity to open the scoring early on but completely missed the ball after Veltman's dangerous cross. Should have given Welbeck a tap-in in the second-half but played a poor pass. Shot straight at the keeper from tight angle after good skill in what was Albion 20th effort of the game.
11. Leandro Trossard 6
Probably the best performer in what proved to be an ineffective front-line. So nearly scored in a goalmouth scramble on hour mark but was denied by good defending. He doesn't have the best of luck in front of goal.
12. Danny Welbeck 6
Missed good chance moments after coming on at half time. Couldn't sort his feet out in acres of space. Would have had a tap-in if he had a better pass from Maupay.