Kaoru Mitoma abysmal as Jan Paul van Hecke stuns – Brighton ratings vs Fulham
Brighton stole a late win against Fulham thanks to a contentious penalty decision which Joao Pedro converted.
The Whites scored the opener in the 35th minute, after Pervis Estupinan allowed Alex Iwobi to sprint half the length of the pitch, delivering a cross to Raul Jimenez at the back post, who then finished past Bart Verbruggen at the Belgian’s near-post.
Jan Paul van Hecke scored his first Brighton goal with a sublime header in the 41st minute, finding himself completely unmarked, after being picked out by Yasin Ayari from a beautiful cross.
The Seagulls controlled much of the second half, and had the ball in the back of the net twice, with both efforts being ruled out for clear offsides.
In the 96th minute, Pedro stole in-front of Harrison Reed and won a penalty, which he duly converted, firing past Bernd Leno to give his side all three points.
The result moves Brighton above Bournemouth into sixth, four points above their opponents Fulham.
Fabian Hurzeler watches his side claim late winner vs Fulham
Bart Verbruggen – 5
Beaten by a fabulous strike from Jimenez, which was Fulham’s only real chance of the game.
Jack Hinshelwood – 6
Playing out of position at right-back, Hinshelwood was shaky to begin with, but grew into the game.
Jan Paul van Hecke – 8 – Player-of-the-Match
The Dutchman scored a fabulous header and defended well against Fulham’s lively attackers.
Adam Webster – 7
His performance will go under the radar due to Van Hecke’s goal, but the English defender played well for Brighton.
Pervis Estupinan – 5
Caught out of position by Iwobi for the opener and looked defensively shaky.
Pervis Estupinan caught out for Fulham opener
Carlos Baleba (off for Wieffer) – 6
Baleba could join Liverpool in a “record-breaking” deal, looked good for the Seagulls against Fulham.
Yasin Ayari (off for Gomez 68′) – 7
Delivered a superb cross for Van Hecke’s goal, before being replaced by Diego Gomez.
Yankuba Minteh (off for March 77′) – 7
Minteh was nominated for February’s player-of-the-month, lively performance from the former Newcastle man but lacked end product.
Georginio Rutter (off for Welbeck 77′) – 6
Fairly flat performance from the former Leeds man, given his good performances in recent weeks.
Kaoru Mitoma (off for Adingra 86′) – 4
Mitoma has been linked with a move to Chelsea, struggled against Antonee Robinson and offered little threat.
Joao Pedro scores late winner for Brighton after Liverpool links
Joao Pedro – 7
Pedro wants to join Liverpool in the summer, won a penalty late in the game, and converted to win his side the match.
Substitutes
Diego Gomez (on for Ayari 68′) – 5
Came on for an impressive Ayari, but was unable to have any major impact on the match.
Danny Welbeck (on for Rutter 77′) – 6
Had a good chance after coming on but failed to find the target.
Solly March (on for Minteh 77′) – 5
Had little impact after coming on, as Fulham defended resolutely.
Simon Adingra (on for Mitoma 86′) – 6
Scored only a minute after coming on, but was offside.
Mats Wieffer (on for Baleba 86′) – 6
Brought on late and did not have enough time to get involved