Leeds 0-1 Brighton: Player ratings as Seagulls hold on for vital away win

Brighton took all three points away from Leeds United on Saturday afternoon as Graham Potter's side claimed a 1-0 win at Elland Road to secure their first Premier League victory in ten.

The hosts had the better of the early exchanges, but it was Brighton who broke the deadlock after a fantastic team move involving Leandro Trossard and Alexis Mac Allister culminated in the latter squaring the ball for Neal Maupay to slot into an empty net.

The Seagulls remained unusually resolute throughout the first half and could have doubled their advantage as a Trossard cross was deflected onto the Leeds crossbar.

The second period was less frantic than the first, with neither side creating too many opportunities early on. Jack Harrison had an effort from the right side of the box whistle just wide of the far post, while Trossard should have doubled the visitors' lead from a Maupay cut back.

Adam Webster forced stand-in goalkeeper Kiko Casilla into a save late on, which finally prompted Leeds to put some pressure on Brighton's backline. But the hosts couldn't find a way through, handing the Seagulls a valuable three points.

Now, to the ratings.

Leeds United

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Kiko Casilla (GK) - 6/10 - Couldn't do much about the goal, and was rarely troubled afterwards. Made a decent save from Webster.

Stuart Dallas (RB) - 5/10 - Usually Leeds' full backs are full of dynamism, but Dallas couldn't seem to inject any life into the game - or his performance.

Luke Ayling (CB) - 5/10 - Might have prevented the opener had he followed Maupay to the back post, and struggled with some of Brighton's movements.

Liam Cooper (CB) - 6/10 - The Scotsman won possession five times and saw the ball quite a lot, having 110 touches. Unfortunately for Leeds he couldn't make them count.

Ezgjan Alioski (LB) - 6/10 - Was the hosts' main threat in the first half, putting in a couple of sumptuous crosses. Didn't have the same impact on the second, however, and even presented a chance to the opposition which should have made it two.

2. Midfielders

Pascal Struijk (DM) - 6/10 - Had a tough time replacing Kalvin Phillips at the base of midfield, failing to really close down the spaces in front of Leeds' backline.

Rodrigo (CM) - 3/10 - Had a gilt-edge chance in the first five minutes thanks to an Alioski cross which he failed to convert. Had very little impact on the game, amassing just 20 touches before coming off.

Mateusz Klich (CM) - 5/10 - Just one shot and 63 touches on the ball - very quiet.

3. Forwards

Jack Harrison (RW) - 6/10 - Was fairly quiet throughout, though was unlucky not to score with an effort that flew narrowly wide.

Patrick Bamford (ST) - 5/10 - Occupying three big centre backs proved too much in the first 45 minutes, as he went into half time touching the ball only four times. Didn't fare much better in the second.

Raphina (LW) - 5/10 - The Brazilian couldn't affect the game from the left hand side, failing to register a shot on goal.

4. Substitutes

Tyler Roberts (ST) - 6/10

Pablo Hernandez (CM) - 5/10

Ian Poveda (LW) - N/A

Brighton

5. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Robert Sanchez (GK) - 6/10 - The Spaniard looked very assured, showing good handling when the ball came his way.

Adam Webster (CB) - 8/10 - Stepped out of defence on multiple occasions to distribute the ball fantastically. A solid day at the back, and even looked a threat offensively, nearly making it two with ten minutes to go.

Lewis Dunk (CB) - 7/10 - Very competent at the back, as we know. Two interceptions and five clearances made him crucial for the Seagulls.

Dan Burn (CB) - 6/10 - Was rather overshadowed by the performances of his two defensive colleagues, but still had a good game. Did well against a very dangerous Leeds right side.

6. Wing-backs & Midfielders

Joel Veltman (RWB) - 8/10 - Could have been a torrid 90 minutes against Leeds' pacy wingers, but the Dutchman dealt with his opposition very well, achieving five tackles, two interceptions and four clearances.

Pascal Gross (CM) - 7/10 - Always seemed to find pockets of space to provide an outlet for colleagues being pressed. Crucial to the way Brighton set out. An unsung hero on the pitch.

Ben White (CM) - 8/10 - Seemed to be able to surpass the Leeds press with ease - maybe some prior knowledge? - and picked out pockets of space as well as providing a solid screen for his back line.

Solly March (LWB) - 6/10 - Progressed the ball forward nicely while maintaining a good defensive shape. What more could you want?

7. Forwards

Leandro Trossard (RW) - 7/10 - The Belgian should have made it two on the hour mark, but was crucial in the build up to the first. Was bright and efficient, ending his game with a pass accuracy of 90%.

Neal Maupay (ST) - 7/10 - Capped off a brilliant team move to make it 1-0 in the first half. Couldn't get into the game after the break, but having scored his third goal in four starts, he won't mind.

Alexis Mac Allister (LW) - 7/10 - Showed real glimpses of quality before he was taken off on the hour. Provided the assist for Maupay after brilliant interplay with Trossard.

8. Substitutes

Yves Bissouma (CM) - 7/10 - Came on to solidify Brighton's midfield and did just that. Calm, cool and collected on the ball - easy to see why he's in demand.

Percy Tau (ST) - 5/10

Davy Propper (CM) - 6/10