Brighton 2-2 Wolves: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Jota Double Extends Unbeaten Run

Brighton and Wolves played out an entertaining 2-2 draw on Sunday, with both sides feeling they could have gotten more from the game.

It was a fairly even start to the match, both sides creating half-chances but failing to capitalise on early opportunities at goal – including a near wonder goal from Ruben Neves. However, It was the visitors who took the lead after 27 minutes, Raul Jimenez stroking a beautiful cross in to the path of Diogo Jota, who tapped in the Mexican’s pass with ease.

While Brighton looked nervy, they found a leveller when Neal Maupay’s fine half-volley caught out Rui Patricio – who probably should have done better. Momentum shifted, and 96 seconds after the Seagulls equalised, Davy Propper’s fine header sent the home supporters in to a frenzy, turning the match on its head going in to half-time.

However the first half wasn’t finished yet, serving up more drama as Propper turned villain, gifting the ball to Jonny Otto, who fed Jota in the box. The Portugese attacker swivelled and struck a low effort in to the bottom corner to bring an action-packed first 45 minutes to a dramatic end.

Chances came and went for both sides as the game began to flow from end to end, with Wolves looking the most likely to strike next but neither team consistently threatening their opponent’s goal. The game ended all square as both sides gave their all, but were unable to steal a winner in the final moments.

Brighton

Key Talking Point

Coming in off the back of a memorable 2-1 victory over Arsenal on Thursday evening, ​Brighton knew they had a difficult task ahead of them, looking to beat a Wolves side that hadn’t lost in the ​Premier League since September. 

The first half was a tale of Brighton’s season, plenty of potential, but not quite the assurance in possession that the Seagulls need to impose Graham Potter’s new style. The hosts showed superb character to fight back from a goal down, but continually shot themselves in the foot by gifting Wolves the ball as they tried to play out from the back. Some food for thought at half-time for the Brighton manager.

Graham Potter

But Potter was unlikely to change his philosophy going in to the second half and Brighton continued to play from back to front, often leaving those inside the Amex Stadium biting their nails. 

The Seagulls continued to show glimpses of quality, infrequently testing Patricio in goal and struggling to sustain pressure on Wolves’ back line. Given the calibre of opponent, Potter won’t be too disappointed with a point, but he will realise that Brighton remain some way off the attractive and assured side that he is looking to create.

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Ryan (6); Alzate (4), Dunk (5), Webster (6), Burn (6); Stephens (6), Mooy (8*), Propper (6), Gross (5), Trossard (6); Maupay (7)

Substitutes: Jahanbakhsh (5), Murray (4)

Star Player

Aaron Mooy

Aaron Mooy showcased his quality in midfield, instrumental in Brighton’s attacking moments as well as helping link defence and attack. The Australian was tidy in possession and looked a cut above his teammates in the middle of the park, perhaps putting in his best performance of the season so far.





Wolves​

Key Talking Point

​Wolves have set the perfect example of how to juggle European and domestic duties this season, unbeaten in ten league matches and knowing a victory over Brighton would send them up to fifth. 

The visitors suffered similar issues to their hosts in the first 45 minutes, struggling to defend and being punished for a lack of decisiveness at the back. However, there is a reason Wolves haven’t lost a league game since September, and that’s because of just how good they are at counter-attacking. Jimenez and Jota formed a formidable free-flowing pair, powering through Brighton’s shaky right-hand side and offering Wolves an outlet throughout the game.

Diogo Jota

Wolves continued to allow Brighton time and space on the ball, picking off every loose pass and racing forward in numbers. Momentum shifted from team to team but Wolves always looked the more promising and confident going forward, without creating too many clear cut chances.

Santo’s substitutions of Jota and Jimenez in the latter stages suggested he was willing to accept a well-earned point with another European fixture midweek and a result that has continued Wolves’ fine unbeaten run.

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Patricio (6); Doherty (6), Saiss (5), Coady (6), Dendoncker (5), Jonny (6); Neves (6), Moutinho (7); Traore (6), Jota (9*), Jimenez (8)

Substitutes: Neto (5), Cutrone (5), Vinagre (N/A)

Star Player

Diogo Jota

Jota was Wolves’ star of the show, linking up seamlessly with Jimenez and terrorising Brighton’s defence – in particular Steven Alzate at right-back. The 23-year-old took his goals nicely, ending his mini-drought in the league.

The attacker proved once more why he is so crucial to Wolves’ attacking dynamism and is beginning to recapture the stellar form he exhibited last campaign.




Looking Ahead

Brighton travel to ​Crystal Palace in their next Premier League outing on 16 December, while Wolves play host to Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday night, before taking on ​Tottenham at the weekend.

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