MISSED chances were again the theme for AFC Bournemouth in their defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

Early goals in both halves from Joao Pedro and Kaoru Mitoma gave the Seagulls the points, despite a late David Brooks consolation in stoppage time.

The Daily Echo rates the Cherries players in defeat.

Kepa Arrizabalaga: 6

A fairly solid game in goal for Kepa, who made a couple of good stops and managed his box better this week than in previous. Couldn’t do much about either goal, as both were excellent finishes. The first came after a good save from the Spaniard to deny Georginio Rutter, but he was unfortunate to palm it into the path of the onrushing Pedro.

(Image: Richard Crease) Adam Smith: 6

A similar story for Smith and the whole of the Cherries backline. Generally solid performances but the defence was unlocked by excellent Brighton play in the early stages of both halves. Smith was caught out by Mitoma’s run into the box for the second, but otherwise kept the Japanese forward quiet.

Illia Zabarnyi: 6

Another solid performance from Zabarnyi in the centre of defence. Both he and his partner Senesi weren’t able to deal with the quick and crisp passing from the Brighton forwards in the build up to both goals, but otherwise limited the Seagulls chances.

Marcos Senesi: 6

As above, a solid showing from the Argentine for the 65 minutes he played, before being substituted for Dean Huijsen.

(Image: Richard Crease) Milos Kerkez: 6

Looked bright on the left going forward as an attacking outlet, and was solid enough defensively. Possibly could have got an assist or two on another day if the forwards’ finishing was better. Replaced by Enes Unal with ten minutes to play as Iraola sought a way back into the game.

Lewis Cook: 6

Cook was as good as usual, martially the midfield and anchoring the Cherries display.

Tyler Adams: 7

I was impressed by Adams in the 65 minutes he played. While the Cherries missed Ryan Christie, I felt Adams put in a solid showing and had bags of energy in midfield, putting in some good work that would often go unnoticed, breaking up play and stopping Brighton attacks.

(Image: Richard Crease) Antoine Semenyo: 7

Semenyo looked his usual threat going forward and had a few good opportunities, but was unable to find the net. If his volley with the final kick goes in, we’re having a different conversation, but it struck the bar and went over. He was booked, though, which will mean he misses out next weekend at Wolves through suspension.

Justin Kluivert: 6

A solid enough display for 75 minutes, but he, like his fellow Cherries forwards, was guilty of missing chances, one he dragged wide in the first half that he possibly should have hit the target on. He was replaced by goalscorer Brooks.

Marcus Tavernier: 6

As above, Tavernier had a couple of good sights of goal but wasn’t able to convert.

Evanilson: 5

The Brazilian had the best of the Cherries chances in the afternoon but wasn’t able to add his name to the scoresheet. I feel a little harsh marking him as a five in what was a decent performance all round, as he got himself in all the right positions to create chances. But he wasn’t able to convert any of them and that is the reality of what he will be marked on.

(Image: Richard Crease) Substitutes:

Dean Huijsen: 5

Dango Ouattara: 6

Max Aarons: 5

David Brooks: 7

Great to see Brooks back on the scoresheet with a fine finish – he looked bright and confident coming off the bench.

Enes Unal: 6