Fulham 2-1 Brighton: Ratings underline Baleba getting back to best | OneFootball

According to WeAreBrighton.com, Carlos Baleba delivered a dominant midfield display in Brighton's 2-1 defeat at Fulham, topping the player ratings and hinting at a return to his best.

He had looked off the pace earlier in the campaign, amid frustration over a blocked Manchester United move and family issues referenced by Cameroon manager David Pagou during AFCON. In that tournament he rediscovered form, and his Craven Cottage showing suggested that upturn is continuing.

Brighton led through Yasin Ayari, who arrowed in after an Olivier Boscagli pass, before a long ball exposed Boscagli and allowed Samuel Chukwueze to level. For about an hour the visitors were on top, with Jan Paul van Hecke stepping into midfield smartly.

Timothy Castagne made two goal-line clearances, while VAR ruled out a Danny Welbeck finish for a marginal offside and Bernd Leno tipped over his powerful header.

Baleba was then replaced by James Milner, and 11 minutes later the hosts struck from the area he had patrolled, Harry Wilson's free kick beating Bart Verbruggen despite a strong hand. Charalampos Kostoulas, introduced on 88 minutes, had conceded the foul.

Baleba topped the ratings with 8.00, Ayari and van Hecke impressed, while Verbruggen struggled and Milner scored lowest with 3.50. Selection and timing were questioned as Ferdi Kadioglu started at right back and attackers Yankuba Minteh and Georginio Rutter arrived late, with Maxim De Cuyper a stoppage-time change. The ratings are based on supporters’ scores posted on social media.

Source: WeAreBrighton.com