
After a somewhat lacklustre performance against Ipswich Town, a Carabao Cup Third Round tie presented Brighton with a chance to rebuild their momentum against a Wolves side who have not had a great start to the season.
Fabian Hürzeler made eight changes from his XI from the weekend, with only Jack Hinshelwood, Carlos Baleba and Yankuba Minteh keeping their places.
However, the squad was much stronger and more experienced than the one that faced Crawley Town.
The Seagulls were on the front foot from the off and looked the much better side, keeping the ball and creating early chances.
Brighton's dominance led to the scoring being opened inside fifteen minutes when Baleba thundered a shot from distance into the bottom left corner.
Seventeen minutes later, Simon Adingra doubled The Albion's lead in similar style to Baleba, but on the opposite side. The home side were flying for the first 35 minutes.
On the stroke of half-time, Wolves halved the deficit through Gonçalo Guedes' close-range finish.
Brighton were nowhere near their best in the second half, and Wolves' high press caused some problems with it seemingly being a matter of time until they grabbed their equaliser.
The south coast side remained strong though and their resilience was rewarded in the 85th minute when Ferdi Kadıoğlu tapped home Danny Welbeck's rebounded shot to end the tie and open his account for The Seagulls.
Tommy Doyle pulled a goal back for the visitors in the 91st minute, but it was too little too late and Brighton progressed into the next round.
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Player Ratings
Jason Steele - 7
Made a few good saves throughout the game and was extremely alert to claim crosses and prevent Wolves from having easy tap-ins.
However, Steele's distribution was far from his best and he made a poor error which led to the second goal being conceded. Without that error, he was certainly in the running to be Man of the Match.
Jack Hinshelwood - 7
Back to right-back for Jack and back to his best.
He was fantastic on and off the ball to get into forward areas and prevented Wolves from creating too many chances.
He also had a ten minute cameo in midfield and looked more than accomplished in the middle of the park.
Hinshelwood did get caught out a few times during counter-attacks, but that is expected in Hürzeler's system.
Adam Webster - 7
Another solid performance in the Carabao Cup, good on the ball and made some vital tackle and interceptions in key moments that could have turned the game on its head.
There were a few misplaced paces, but for someone who has not played since the last round, it was a more than good enough display.
Igor Julio - 6
Another player who has not played since the last round.
While Igor did play well in parts and made some good runs with the ball, there were too many sloppy passes to warrant any higher than a six.
Pervis Estupiñán - 7
The Ecuadorian's first start since returning from injury was about as much as you could ask for.
He did not get caught out during counter-attacks and transitions, linked up well with Adingra down the left, played some great switches, and defended very well.
Given a few more games, it is most likely we will see the the number 30 back to his best once again.
Carlos Baleba - 8
Another game, another arguable MOTM performance from the young midfielder who just keeps getting better and better.
Won the majority of his tackles, looked very calm and composed on the ball - dribbling and passing - and of course capped off his performance with a beautiful goal and a majestic cartwheel and flip.
It will be interesting to see what happens now Matts Wieffer has returned to the fold. Could we see Baleba used further forward in the midfield?
Jakub Moder - 6
It was the Polish international's first start of the season and he did very well in a tough game. He looked to create chances and also worked extremely hard to support Baleba when defending.
It was clear, though, that the sharpness is not quite there yet, with a few misplaced paces and lapses of concentration.
It was great to see the 25-year-old back on the pitch once again.
Yankuba Minteh - 6
Not one of his best games, but he worked tirelessly for 80 minutes trying to drive forward and also sprinting back to support Hinshelwood.
Unsurprisingly, Minteh looked tired after 70 minutes on Saturday, but his effort cannot for faulted.
Given time, his best will come again.
Simon Adingra - 8
Three goals and an assist so far this season for the winger, and every time he has played he has been knocking on the door for a starting place.
Direct with the ball and scored a wonderful goal to help send his side into the hat for the next round.
Beat his man more times than he did not, delivered the ball into some great areas and linked up brilliantly with Estupiñán while also supporting him at the back at times.
Julio Enciso - 5
The talent is clearly there with Enciso, but he tried way too much against Wolves and attempted to stay on the ball for too long, losing it in dangerous areas when he could have played a pass
He did work well against the ball and in the press, but for his talent it was a pretty poor performance.
Evan Ferguson - 7
Another player on his first start for Brighton since returning from a long-term injury, and similarly to Estupiñán you could not have asked for much more.
Linked the play very well and held the ball up brilliantly. Was unlucky not to get a goal or assist after his shot was knocked in by Minteh, who was offside.
The Irish striker only lasted 60 minutes, but it was a huge boost for The Seagulls to have him back.
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Substitutes:
Danny Welbeck - 6
Did not do that much in his 30 minutes, but led the press very well and worked hard in the difficult moments to help Brighton across the line.
Made a great run through the defense to have the shot which led to the third goal.
Matts Wieffer - 7
Wieffer is another player who was returning from an injury.
Played around 30 minutes and looked very solid playing as the six. Broke up the play on many occasions, won most if not all of his areal duels, and made some great tackles.
Once the Dutchman is back to full fitness, it looks like it will be difficult to keep him on the bench, but it remains to be seen how that will work with Baleba.
Yasin Ayari - 6
After a fine performance against Ipswich, the young midfielder had a 20 minute run out in which he did what he had to do to prevent the visitors from getting back into the game.
He did not do too much of note, but his work rate and energy were what he was brought on for.
Tariq Lamptey - 6
Only played the final ten minutes, but looked quick and sharp to stop Carlos Forbs down the left and also drove forward with the ball to relieve pressure on a few occasions.
Ferdi Kadıoğlu - 8
Played the final ten minutes on the right wing and looked great in the press, calm on the ball, and extremely fast in attack and transitions.
Worked hard to get into the box to score the winner following Welbeck's saved effort.
Passion and determination are two words that will be used many times when describing the new number 24.

