Brighton and Hove Albion continued their unbeaten start to the Premier League season but were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw with fellow unbeaten outfit Nottingham Forest.
An all-action encounter at the Amex Stadium saw goals from Chris Wood and Ramón Sosa for the visitors either side of Jack Hinshelwood's header and Danny Welbeck's emphatic free-kick.
In the late stages, a dramatic minute saw Morgan Gibbs-White sent off for Forest before managers Fabian Hürzeler and Nuno Espírito Santo were also handed their marching orders.
With the Seagulls eventually having to accept a 2-2 draw at full-time, there was plenty to dig into in VAVEL's Brighton player ratings.
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Player Ratings
Bart Verbruggen - 7
It was a quiet game for Vebruggen, with just two saves in the match.
The Dutchman could do nothing to prevent either of the Forest goals but he distributed possession really well with 96% pass accuracy and commanded his area well too.
Joël Veltman - 6
Veltman did well to keep Anthony Elanga and then Callum Hudson-Odoi quiet throughout the match, however he was partly at fault for the Forest equaliser, playing Jota Silva onside.
Lewis Dunk - 7
A really solid performance from Dunk, completing plenty of passes as usual and defending well to prevent Forest counter attacks when needed.
Unfortunately, he was not quite quick enough to prevent the Forest equaliser but that can happen when you play a high line.
Jan Paul van Hecke - 8
Excellent performance from van Hecke, being composed in possession and defensively sound like his captain.
An extra mark too for an exceptional cross that led to Jack Hinshelwood’s goal.
Pervis Estupiñán - 6
Some fans may argue that Estupiñán got caught slacking ahead of Forest earning themselves a penalty but the Ecuadorian reacted really well and provided a well-timed recovery challenge in the box before the penalty was awarded.
In his first league start in a while, he needs time to get back to his best but it was just great to see him back out there.
Carlos Baleba - 7
Unfortunate for the Cameroonian that he conceded a soft penalty, but other than that he was superb.
Brighton looked much better when he was on the pitch than they did after Baleba was subbed off.
The Seagulls missed his imposing figure in the middle of the park in the latter stages, as well as his ability to break up play.
Baleba won the most tackles in the match to continue his impressive start to the season, so long may it continue.
Jack Hinshelwood - 8
The Sussex boy took his goal really well. His aerial ability is something that often goes under the radar, but that is now the third header he has scored in the Premier League already for the Seagulls.
Playing in his more natural midfield possession, Hinshelwood did not look out of place, creating the joint-most chances on the pitch and winning 100% of his attempted tackles.
Georginio Rutter - 7
The Frenchman was tidy in possession and linked play between the midfield and attack nicely.
His dribbling ability was impressive, especially when driving forward from deep he was able to earn Brighton a couple of free-kicks.
Rutter had five shots in the game but not one was able to test Matz Sels in the Forest net. With a little more composure in front of goal, the Albion will have themselves another great option in attack.
Simon Adingra - 6
An underwhelming match for Adingra after such an impressive performance on Wednesday night against Wolves.
The Ivorian was playing out on the right in this one which is not his strongest possession, and Brighton may now redeploy him on the left, where he looks so much more threatening.
Kaoru Mitoma - 8
Mesmerising at times, Mitoma’s first touch was immaculate every time he received the ball.
He had a quiet first half but everything good came through the Japanese winger in the second half and he was really unlucky not to pick up an assist after delivering some really wicked crosses and creating the joint-most chances.
Danny Welbeck - 9
A clear Man of the Match in this one, Danny Welbeck took his goal fantastically.
He has come close on a number of occasions with free-kicks but this time he got it spot on for a perfect finish.
He defended doggedly from the front too, constantly hassling Forest defenders.
Unfortunately, he did miss a big chance to put the Seagulls into a two-goal lead but that chance only came from his own work. He looks reborn under Fabian Hürzeler.
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Substitutes:
Mats Wieffer - 6
Played some nice passes into the final third but there was a notable drop-off when he replaced Baleba.
It prompts questions of whether the two can play together rather than replace each other.
Yankuba Minteh - 6
He did not make the impact that fans would have liked him to when replacing Adingra.
Minteh kept possession well and tried his best, but struggled against Forest’s low block.
João Pedro - 7
The best of the four substitutes was Brighton’s Brazilian number nine.
Pedro immediately teased Forest with his close control and it was his pace and power that led to Gibbs-White receiving a second yellow card.
Evan Ferguson - N/A
Just one touch for Ferguson after coming off the bench, which was a blocked effort.
It was hard for him to make an impact in such a crowded penalty area with Forest sat so deep, but he will get his chance.
