Brighton player ratings: 18-year-old wonderkid gets 9 after bicycle kick goal against Bournemouth

On Monday, January 19, there was a battle on the south coast as Brighton faced The Cherries at home.

Before this one, Brighton’s last three league games saw them draw 1-1 against Manchester City, beat Burnley 2-0, and draw 2-2 with West Ham.

Pascal Gross made his first starting eleven appearance since May 2024, after rejoining the club from Borussia Dortmund.

Baleba was fit to start, but was benched as a precaution by Fabian Hurzeler.

Brighton dominated possession in the opening 15 minutes, with their best effort of a set-piece shot from a corner saved by Bournemouth’s Petrovic.

However, it was the visitors who got the lead.

After a VAR intervention, Amine Adli's booking for diving was rescinded, and Bournemouth were given a penalty. That was scored in the 31st minute by Marcus Tavernier.

On Sky Sports coverage of the game, former Liverpool star and pundit Jamie Carragher had said: “These types of penalties would not have been given maybe ten years ago.

"The ball is still in play and you can see the contact. Adli wouldn't have got to the ball."

Bournemouth were close to a second goal before half-time with Evanilson hitting the post, but the Brazilian was offside.

In the second half, it was a tetchy affair, but neither team could score a goal.

However, that changed in the first minute of stoppage time.

Brighton youngster Kostoulas scored an overhead kick goal in the first minute of stoppage time, sending the Brighton fans mad.

It wasn’t Albion’s best performance, but it was a toughly contested draw against Iraola’s side.

Here’s how Sussex World rated the Brighton players against Bournemouth:

Bart Verbruggen (GK) – 5: Well-held shot saved in the 14th minute with a half-volley attempt from Evanlison. Conceded a penalty against Adli after a 50 50. Originally, the referee gave it Brighton’s way, booking the striker for simulation. But upon VAR review, the decision was overturned and a penalty was given.

Lewis Dunk (C) – 6: Composed. However, he was getting beaten frequently. He struggled to stop crosses getting into the box.

Jan Paul Van Hecke – 6: Lovely pass early on to Kadioglu. Made a key clearance inside the box. Had a decent game, but did get frustrated at times due to many Bournemouth players going down and needing physio during the second half.

Brajan Gruda – 6: Shot from a set piece in the 8th minute. Well-worked curled effort just outside the box, parried away by Bournemouth’s Petrovic. Came off in 66th minute.

Danny Welbeck – 5: Wasn’t able to make his mark in this one. Seemed very quiet. Came off in the 77th minute.

Karou Mitoma – 6: A little quiet in the opening of this one. Curled effort in the 48th minute was just wide.

Ferdi Kadioglu – 6: Shot from outside the box 4th minute. Looked strong, but not as good of a performance compared to him against Burnley earlier this month.

Diego Gomez – 6: Did his defensive duties well. He’s beginning to be a staple in midfield for the Albion too. Came off in 66th minute.

Pascal Gross – 6: Turning Bournemouth defenders inside out early, which got fans jeering. Lost the ball in the 11th minute which gave Cherries striker Evanilson a shot at goal from outside the box.

Joel Veltman – 6: Was solid, but got beaten on the wing a fair few times. However, he kept his composure.

Jack Hinshelwood – 6: Almost made it 1-1 after a low-headed effort from a corner was well-saved in the first half. Came off in 66th minute.

Subs for the Albion:

Georginio Rutter – N/A:

Minteh – N/A: A lovely shot outside the box, which was saved expertly by Petrovic.

Carlos Baleba – N/A

Kostoulas – 9: What a goal. An overhead kick inside the box when your team is 1-0 down in stoppage time. Scenes.

Boscagli – N/A

Unused subs:

Milner, Ayari, Coppola.