THREE things we learned from Brighton vs Wolves

The Carabao Cup, the competition in English football which usually results in Premier League sides utilising their full squads with star players a rare sight until the latter end of the competition. Brighton v Wolves was no different, the home side made eight changes while the visitors made ten changes to the starting 11.

Football is a game of two halves and it was very apparent last night, that Brighton had the upper hand in the first half going into the break with a 2-1 lead. As the second half went on, Gary O Neil’s side became more aggressive as they were chasing the game and caused serious problems for Brighton as they were riding their luck at times answering the questions the Wolves attack were asking of the Albion’s defence. A special shoutout to Jack Hinshelwood for that amazing goal-line clearance in the second half.

Evan Ferguson’s first start of the season

After an injury-hit season coupled with volatile form, Evan Ferguson looked like the Fergie of old last night. Especially in the first half.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Evan Ferguson of Brighton & Hove Albion inspects the pitch prior to the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Amex Stadium on September 18, 2024 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Although his efforts weren’t rewarded with a goal, the 19-year-old’s movement was excellent when Brighton had the ball but also out of possession—something that has been a big emphasis in the Fabian Hurzeler era on the South Coast. Evan was substituted in the 63rd minute, which is understandable given his comeback from injury. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more of him very soon.

Despite Brighton having a profound set of strikers (Joao Pedro, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck), there will be more than enough minutes for Evan to get a substantial share of the competition this season. Especially as Brighton will look to make deep runs in the domestic cups with the absence of European football this season. An encouraging step in his road to recovery and returning to his best form.

Carlos Baleba – The Chosen One

The epitome of trusting the process, Carlos Baleba is going from strength to strength compiling performance after performance to cement himself into one of the first names on the Brighton team sheet this season. This isn’t an overly surprising feat for those who believed that the Cameroon midfielder’s potential is amongst the elites. However, watching Carlos bloom into a superstar in a similar feat to a young Moises Caicedo a few seasons ago is something we can all enjoy watching unfold.

Photo via Talk Seagulls

Carlos Baleba was unlucky not to score against Ipswich, but the wait was more than worth it with a goal that will stay long in the memory of Brighton fans. Not to mention, the celebration is reminiscent of former fan favourite Kazenga LuaLua.

The former Lille midfielder’s growing dominance in games at the Premier League level is something that is making him an essential part of the ever-evolving machine at Brighton. His behemoth physical capabilities aside, there’s been an undeniable leap in his technical ability which is ever present in games – including yesterday’s where his confidence and execution are leading his passing range to improve alongside his overall technical base.

Simon Adingra – Thriving In a New Role

Another point that echoes the season so far more than this singular game is that Simon had another excellent performance to add to a strong start to the season. The 22-year-old scored a superb goal cutting in from the left wing and attacking the space vacated by the Wolves defence.

Furthermore, the Ivorian winger played a huge role in Brighton’s third goal by being the outlet to receive a long ball from goalkeeper Jason Steele, followed by an impeccable touch which took Nelson Semedo out of the game. This was continued with a strong run towards the centre of the pitch in the final third before a neat pass to Danny Welbeck created the shot which ultimately new signing Ferdi Kadioglu capitalised on to give Brighton a vital two-goal lead in the tie.

With a flurry of well-reported signings in the attacking areas of the pitch, Simon Adingra has found himself being the impact substitute off the bench this season as opposed to a regular starter last season. So far, the reduction of role and responsibility has benefitted him greatly – the game against Wolves was his second start of the season, his first against Premier League opposition, however, the question looming around Brighton spaces is if Simon Adingra should start this weekend as Brighton host Nottingham Forest in what will be a difficult, but winnable game for the Seagulls.

Honourable Mentions

As mentioned earlier, a shout-out needs to go to Jack Hinshelwood for his goal-line clearance that massively helped Brighton hang on and hold on to an important win to send them into the next round of the Carabao Cup. Furthermore, it was another encouraging display for Mats Wieffer who came on in the 63rd minute.

The Dutch midfielder will undoubtedly become an important player in the not-too-distant future for Brighton, provided his slight injury struggles are now behind him.