West Ham 2-2 Brighton: Veltman tops ratings on right back return | OneFootball

Joel Veltman returned at right back, scored and topped Brighton’s fan ratings in a 2-2 draw at West Ham, his first start since September.

According to WeAreBrighton.com, the switch from using £25 million midfielder Mats Wieffer at right back brought balance down the right, with Veltman largely subduing Lucas Paqueta.

West Ham’s opener arrived when Jan Paul van Hecke and Lewis Dunk both attacked an aerial ball on halfway while holding a high line, leaving Jarrod Bowen free to burst through. Ferdi Kadioglu’s attempted clearance across his own box then handed the hosts possession before they won a penalty, conceded when Dunk handled as he slid in. Fabian Hurzeler later described the award as guesswork by referee Michael Salisbury.

Brighton were awarded two penalties, the first converted by Danny Welbeck after Yankubu Minteh drew a foul from Max Kilman. Two minutes later Welbeck attempted a Panenka and struck the bar.

From the bench, Kaoru Mitoma produced his liveliest cameo since injury and was denied by Alphonse Areola, who also saved from Georginio Rutter. Brajan Gruda made little impact after replacing Minteh, and Charalampos Kostoulas was booked within two minutes of coming on.

Kadioglu ranked second in the ratings behind Veltman. The scores were compiled from marks out of 10 submitted by Brighton fans on social media.

Source: WeAreBrighton.com