Final Score: Brighton 2-2 Bournemouth
The first game of the calendar year at Amex Stadium turned out to be a thriller as Brighton and Hove Albion shared the spoils with Bournemouth. The scoreline, after a long time in the Premier League, suggested how the game went on. Both teams played with a good footballing mindset, desire to attack and win the game.
Be it in terms of possession, total passes played or the shots on target, both sides were almost equal. The Seagulls took the lead twice through goals from Anthony Knockaert and Glenn Murray but both goals were cancelled out as Steve Cook and Callum Wilson scored a goal each.
Bournemouth Player Ratings
Asmir Begovic: 8.5/10
He was the second busiest keeper for sure but got strong hands to the ball and made two stunning saves off Izquierdo, which could have easily killed the game. Begovic wasn’t to be blamed for any of the goals.
Adam Smith: 7/10
He was defensively alright with respect to the tackles and covering up. Offensively, he didn’t produce anything until they scored their first. Once they did, he got forward and added more 2 v 1 situations.
Simon Francis: 7/10
Should have cleared his lines better. However, he narrowed down brilliantly when Brighton were on the counter. Francis, along with the other Cherries defenders was solid in the air.
Steve Cook: 8/10
He was a titanic presence in the opposition box and ultimately, for the way he attacked the ball, he surely deserved the goal. Defensively, he got down really well to block a shot off Gross.
Charlie Daniels: 6.5/10
Very clever passing in the middle of the pitch. He got forward with optimism and crossed the ball well. If not for him getting caught out of position for Glenn Murray’s goal, the dynamic left back would surely have been 8+.
Harry Arter: 5/10
He was wasteful with his passing and lost possession way too often, which is just not acceptable for a holding midfielder. He barely created anything nor did he add an extra element on the attacking side of the pitch.
Lewis Cook: 8.5/10
The best passer on the pitch by some distance. He always seemed to have his feet sorted out. Cook also displayed clean and smooth dribbling.
Jordon Ibe: 7.5/10
Magnificent solo runs from the central part of the pitch. He was just inches away from scoring and he got himself in empty spaces with the ball. However, he was a bit selfish at times.
Marc Pugh: 7/10
His passing wasn’t the most accurate always. However, he played early balls into the box and provided space in behind the left flank for Daniels to continue his run.
Benik Afobe: 4/10
Barely made any productive move. In the box too, didn’t win the odd header.
Callum Wilson: 7.5/10
With little space and too many bodies around, he got his shots away and was a prominent figure up front. A lively performance along with the lucky goal.
Substitutes
Nathan Ake: 6/10
He got too tight on a couple of occasions but otherwise, a fine appearance.
Lys Mousset: 5/10
Dropped deep but struggled to support the wide players who were instrumental in stretching the Brighton back line.
Dan Gosling: 6.5/10
Just sat in there, played behind the front men and passed around safely.