Albion come away with a 1-1 draw over Champions League contenders, Newcastle United in frustrating fashion.
A difficult penultimate afternoon at the Amex, where a large portion of the fans certainly felt negatively against the performances from the officials today, as they left the field to a round of strong boos. Two on-field penalties disallowed, before Alexander Isak finally had an opportunity from the spot.
Albion Player Ratings:
Bart Verbruggen – 7.8
Mats Wieffer – 6.5
Lewis Dunk – 8
Jan Paul Van Hecke – 7
Pervis Estupiñan – 6.5
Carlos Baleba – 7.5
Jack Hinshelwood – 5
Matt O’Riley – 6.5
Simon Adingra – 4
Danny Welbeck – 6
Yankuba Minteh – 8.2
Joel Veltman – 6
Brajan Gruda – 6
Diego Gomez – 5
Yasin Ayari – 4
Tariq Lamptey – 4
Officials – Beyond numbers!
I come in peace, I’ll justify my reasons.
Yankuba Minteh edges my Player of the Match, contrary to the stadium sponsor’s choice. Electric from the beginning to end, running tirelessly throughout. He added an entertainment value that others probably wouldn’t have done today, particularly after his goal in the first half. If Hürzeler’s style of play is intensity, Minteh unquestionably brought that.
Minteh made clear his ambition to hit back at his former club, and put in a meaningful performance today. But for more around him, he could’ve added more output.
Simon Adingra, Yasin Ayari, and Tariq Lamptey have low ratings this week. Adingra, not strong enough in moments when one-on-one with his defender. Had opportunities similar to Minteh, but questions remained rhetorical.
Ayari and Lamptey had a difficult introduction into the game. Harsh particularly on the Swede, but the handball was a silly one, and he’d say the same. Similar story with Lamptey, who struggled to make a positive impact whilst being pushed out of position.
A frustrating afternoon on the South Coast, but Europe isn’t quite ‘done’ yet. Three games [finals] to go.
