Brighton player ratings vs Leeds: One 4 and too many 6s as Albion's European hopes dented by late Dominic Calvert-Lewin winner

With eighth place enough to guarantee continental football next season, Fabian Hurzeler’s side knew victory would seal the deal, during their penultimate match of the season.

Instead, a dramatic late goal from Dominic Calvert-Lewin condemned the visitors to a painful defeat – which presents an opportunity for Brentford, Chelsea and Sunderland to overtake the Seagulls, if they fail to beat Manchester United.

With the hosts safe from relegation, there was a lively atmosphere before kick-off, with balloons repeatedly finding their way onto the pitch and players including Danny Welbeck, Karl Darlow and Ethan Ampadu forced to burst them to allow play to continue.

The hosts started brightly and dominated the early exchanges, though Brighton soon settled into the contest. Pascal Gross tested Darlow after being found by Carlos Baleba, while Bart Verbruggen was called into action at the other end as Dan James threatened.

The home crowd warmly applauded former Leeds favourite Georginio Rutter, as well as record Premier League appearance holder James Milner – who started his career at Elland Road.

Brighton gradually began to create the better chances. Gross forced Darlow into a superb save with a swerving effort before Jan Paul van Hecke headed over from close range after Albion recycled possession in the box.

Verbruggen then produced an excellent stop of his own after the ball ricocheted dangerously following an attempted clearance from Joel Veltman.

Welbeck came close midway through the first half when his goalbound effort was cleared by Ampadu, after neat work from Gross and Jack Hinshelwood.

The visitors carried increasing urgency as the game wore on, knowing a win would secure European qualification in some form. Ferdi Kadioglu repeatedly found space behind the Leeds defence and delivered several dangerous balls into the area, while Yankuba Minteh caused problems down the flank.

Hinshelwood drew frustration from Hurzeler after opting to pass rather than shoot in a promising attacking position, while Leeds threatened intermittently through Wilfried Gnonto and Joel Piroe.

Substitutes Diego Gomez and Georginio Rutter both had chances late on as the game opened up in the closing stages.

Brighton pushed hard for a winner, with Darlow punching clear under pressure and Gomez seeing a close-range effort blocked after a clever pass from Rutter.

A point would have been frustrating but should have been enough to secure European football next term, due to results elsewhere.

But with nine minutes of added time played, disaster struck for Albion.

Van Hecke made a costly error at the back, allowing Calvert-Lewin to round Verbruggen and slot home the decisive goal in front of the jubilant home fans.

Brighton threatened to snatch a dramatic equaliser moments later, but Darlow claimed the final cross into the box to secure all three points for Leeds.

The result leaves Brighton’s European hopes hanging in the balance, heading into the final game of the season against Manchester United. Depending on results elsewhere, they may need three points to settle any nerves.

The defeat at Leeds means Albion are now very unlikely to finish sixth, which could have been enough for the Champions League.

Here are our player ratings:

Bart Verbruggen – 6: Produced a couple of important saves, including a strong stop after a dangerous ricochet involving Dunk and Veltman. Distribution was mostly calm, although one pass into Baleba created problems. Replays of the winning goal showed he perhaps should have stayed on his line, and allowed Dunk to cover, following Van Hecke’s error. But that’s easy to say, in hindsight!

Ferdi Kadioglu – 7: One of Brighton’s most dangerous players. Found space behind the Leeds defence repeatedly and delivered several dangerous crosses. Unlucky to be flagged offside on one promising run.

Lewis Dunk – 7: Made several important defensive interventions, including a crucial block on Dan James in the first half. Led well during periods of Leeds pressure and looked composed for most of the match.

Jan Paul van Hecke – 4: Had moments of quality defensively and perhaps should have scored with close-range header. It was tougher than it looked, though. The late mistake that allowed Calvert-Lewin was a shocker and it could prove costly.

Joel Veltman – 6: Defended solidly for large spells. Was involved in the scramble that led to Verbruggen’s save and offered little going forward before being replaced.

Carlos Baleba – 6: Battled hard in midfield and helped Brighton gain control after Leeds’ strong start. Won important fouls and drove the side forward, though he was caught in possession after Verbruggen’s risky pass.

Pascal Gross – 7: Came the closest to scoring from the Albion players, with a swerving effort, saved brilliantly by Darlow. Delivered some excellent balls into the area, including a wicked corner that created danger at the near post. Combined well with Kadioglu and added real attacking width.

Maxim De Cuyper – 7: Delivered some excellent balls into the area, including a wicked corner that created danger at the near post. Combined well with Kadioglu and added real attacking width.

Jack Hinshelwood – 6: Involved in some bright attacking moves and linked well with Gross and Welbeck. However, passed up a shooting opportunity in a dangerous position that visibly frustrated Fabian Hurzeler.

Yankuba Minteh – 6: Worked hard and carried a threat down the flank, particularly in the second half. His delivery caused problems at times but the final ball was inconsistent. Received treatment after an impressive sliding challenge, to prevent Leeds scoring earlier.

Danny Welbeck – 6: Led the line energetically and came close with a header and a shot cleared brilliantly by Ampadu. Linked play well but lacked the decisive touch before being substituted.

Substitutes:

Diego Gomez – 6: Added energy after coming on and nearly made an instant impact. Fired one effort high over the bar before later seeing a close-range shot blocked after good work from Rutter. Helped Brighton push forward in the closing stages.

Georginio Rutter – 6: Received a warm reception from the Leeds supporters and was lively after replacing Welbeck. Linked play well in attacking areas and slipped through a clever pass for Gomez late on, but could not provide the breakthrough against his former club.

Yasin Ayari – 6: Came on as Brighton searched for control in midfield during the closing stages. Wasn’t really able to steady things as the game became increasingly stretched.

Charalampos Kostoulas – N/A: Introduced for Hinshelwood with Brighton chasing a winner. No big chances of note.

Solly March – N/A: Came on deep into added time and had little opportunity to impact the game before Leeds scored the winner.