Joel Veltman is a clever and sometimes crafty defender. He knows how to manage games and usually the many tricks of his trade go his way – just ask Arsenal’s Declan Rice or Ipswich’s Liam Delap. Expect this time, in the 42nd minute against Everton, it didn't.
Maybe there was a slight push on the experienced Dutchman and only Veltman will know if the handball that led to the match-winning penalty was deliberate. But, unfortunately for Brighton, referee Tim Robinson thought it was and Iliman Ndiaye slotted home the decisive spot kick.
The Premier League matchday centre posted: “The VAR checked for a potential penalty for handball by Veltman and deemed it as a deliberate action and recommended an on-field review. The referee then awarded a penalty to Everton.”
The onus was then all on Brighton but breaking through a David Moyes team requires patience and lots of it. Sometimes you crack the code, sometimes you don't.
Moyes will no doubt keep Everton in the top flight but on this Saturday afternoon’s evidence at the Amex, it will be a grind.
Brighton strikers Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro hardly touched the ball as the away defence squeezed the life from Albion's attack.
Kaoru Mitoma fired an effort just wide on 50 minutes and substitute Georginio also came close on 68 minutes but despite plenty of pressure the clear cut chances failed to appear. Here’s how they rated:
5. Jan Paul Van Hecke - 6
The defender was rarely troubled and calm and composed at the back. Good in possession and almost played up front towards the end as Albion searched for a leveller. Photo: Mike Hewitt
6. Tariq Lamptey - 7
Started at left back. A lightning early burst forward and cross just eluded Pedro in the box. he was lively and switched to the right after the break, replaced by Minteh on 73 minutes. Photo: Bryn Lennon
7. Carlos Baleba - 6
A mixed bag from the Cameroon international and had to go carefully after his booking on 45 minutes. Kept pushing until the end and fired one effort over from distance on 77 minutes Photo: Bryn Lennon
8. Yasin Ayari - 6
Another workman like display as he continues to clock up the miles in midfield. Played his part in a midfield battle and replaced by Hinshelwood on 74 minutes. Photo: Stu Forster