Carlos Baleba incredible, Solly March flops - Brighton player ratings vs West Ham

26/04/2025 12:20

Brighton claimed a dramatic comeback win over West Ham at the AMEX Stadium to keep their hopes of European football alive.

Fabian Hurzeler‘s side went into the game looking to end a run of six games without a win in all competitions.

The hosts would take the lead in that game after just 12 minutes thanks to a stunning long-range strike from Yasin Ayari.

Although that was enough to ensure they led 1-0 at half time, West Ham would equalise through Mohammed Kudus almost immediately after the break.

The visitors then completed the turnaround with less than ten minutes of normal time remaining when Tomas Soucek headed in a Jarrod Bowen cross at the back post.

There would though be a late equaliser for the Seagulls, when substitutes Brajan Gruda and Karou Mitoma combined for the latter to head home late on.

This would then get even better for Brighton, who were given a dramatic stoppage time winners thanks to an unbelievable long-range strike from Carlos Baleba.

That victory has seen Hurzeler’s side climb to ninth in the Premier League table, ensuring they still have a hope of competing in Europe next season.

Here is how Football Insider rated the performances of the Brighton squad in that clash with the Hammers.

Bart Verbruggen – 5

Rumoured Man United target Verbuggen had a mixed afternoon. Made some good saves but will be disappointed to have let Kudus’ equaliser slip between his legs.

Carlos Baleba the Brighton hero

Mats Wieffer – 6

A somewhat unnatural role stepping in at right-back, but held up well in that position.

Lewis Dunk – 6

Put under pressure in the second half as West Ham pushed forward, but stood his ground for the most part.

Carlos Baleba – 9– Player of the Match

An unbelievable performance. Stepped into an unnatural centre-back role brilliantly and then came up with an incredible long-range strike to win the game in the final minutes.

Pervis Estupinan – 6

A lively performance going forward but couldn’t find his range when shooting, and at times looked suspect defensively.

Yasin Ayari – 8

Scored his first Premier League goal with a brilliant strike of his own in the early stages. Ayari showed there why Brighton will demand big money for him.

Jack Hinshelwood (off for Gomez, ’82) – 7

A bright showing from the young midfielder who did look a threat, albeit he was off-target with his shots.

Solly March (off for Minteh, ’62) – 4

Back in the lineup after a long absence from the starting XI but unable to make much of an impact before being withdrawn.

Matt O’Riley (off for Gruda, ’82) – 6

Played some decent passes around but unable to quite find a final telling touch in attack.

Fabian Hurzeler substitutes make the difference

Simon Adingra (off for Mitoma, ’62) – 6

Got forward well and looked a threat, but failed to find his man with a number of balls into the box.

Danny Welbeck – 5

Not a game where he got a great deal of service as he found it hard to make an impact.

Substitutions

Karou Mitoma (on for Adingra, ’62) – 8

Brighton could sell Mitoma amid interest from Saudi Arabia, but he showed his ongoing importance to the club by stepping up with the late equaliser.

Yankuba Minteh (on for March, ’62) – 6

Looked more of a threat than March after coming on out wide.

Diego Gomez (on for Hinshelwood, ’82) – 7

Put an excellent ball into the the box which led Brighton making it 2-2.

Brajan Gruda (on for O’Riley, ’82) – 7

Made a positive impact, not least getting the all-important assist for the equaliser with a clever header into the path of Mitoma.

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