There is always something extra enjoyable about a full back scoring twice in a game. A fact reflected by Mats Wieffer topping the Burnley 0-2 Brighton player ratings after his brace-bagging heroics at Turf Moor.
Wieffer scored at the end of either half to ensure the Albion won the sort of game they normally struggle in – against opposition in the relegation zone and coming after an international break.
It was the first double of his career and led Fabian Hurzeler to say Wieffer deserves a Netherlands recall for the World Cup having failed to make the Dutch squad since his switch from central midfielder to right back.
There were plenty of other good individual displays against the Clarets. Wieffer only just edged first place ahead of Pascal Gross, who gave a midfield masterclass in ball retention and set up the opening goal.
Yankuba Minteh was a livewire again down the left flank. Bart Verbruggen made some crucial saves. And Jan Paul van Hecke and Olivier Boscagli were rock solid, making light of Lewis Dunk missing through suspension.
Here are your Burnley 0-2 Brighton player ratings.
Bart Verbruggen – 7.29
The first half save from point blank range with his legs after the Albion were caught asleep defending a low James Ward-Prowse corner has received nowhere near the credit it deserves. Made another good stop in the second half using his feet and commanded the box well in difficult conditions at times for a goalkeeper.
MATS WIEFFER – 8.57
Wieffer again, ole ole. The song finally makes sense as he scored not once, but twice. The finishes were both clinical and of the highest quality. Meaning we can overlook the fact he was given a bit of a torrid time defensively by Jaidon Anthony.
Jan Paul van Hecke – 7.29
Danny Welbeck had the captain’s armband in the absence of Dunk but Van Hecke was ultimately the player leading the Albion. A brilliant defensive display included a necessary “take one for the team” booking.
Olivier Boscagli – 7.14
So dependable deputising for Dunk. Deserves more minutes next season – whether that is via Brighton starting to phase out Dunk or taking over from Van Hecke should the Dutchman be sold.
Ferdi Kadioglu – 7.29
Two goals from Wieffer means the good work Kadioglu did on the opposite side of the pitch went under the radar a bit. His diligent defending allowed Minteh to shine.
Yasin Ayari – 7.00
Ayari was preferred to Carlos Baleba in taking over midfield duties from the injured James Milner. Did well alongside Gross to justify the decision made by Hurzeler.
Pascal Gross – 8.43
The low cross swept backwards into the box for the opening goal was a thing of beauty. Never wasted a pass and his experience was vital in helping the Albion come away with three points from a place they normally draw-at-best visiting.
Diego Gomez – 5.86
Plenty of hard work but not one of his better days when on the ball.
Jack Hinshelwood – 6.43
Decent enough but really should have got on the scoresheet. He rolled one effort wide of the post in a first half goalmouth scramble and then drew a good save from Martin Dubravka after the break.
Yakuba Minteh – 7.57
After Kaoru Mitoma scored for Japan at Wembley, there must have been some temptation from Hurzeler to return Minteh to the bench. Minteh ended up justifying Hurzeler’s faith by setting up several good opportunities for his teammates as the Albion’s most dangerous attacker.
Danny Welbeck – 5.57
Chances were at a premium for Dat Guy and the one good opportunity he did have in the opening 45 minutes was squandered.
Carlos Baleba – 6.14
Brought on at just the right time to help steady midfield as Burnley chased an equaliser.
Georginio Rutter – 5.29
Limited impact when he came on although he did play a full part in the Wieffer airplane celebration for the second goal.
Kaoru Mitoma – 6.14
Set up Wieffer for the second after dispossessing Ward-Prowse. He was probably a little fortunate not to give away a foul as it did look like he pushed the Clarets midfielder.
The WAB Player Ratings are formulated using marks out of 10 given by Brighton fans via social media. To have your scores included, follow We Are Brighton on Twitter or We Are Brighton on Bluesky and look out for the player rating thread after each game.
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