Pretty tough watch that. Exciting for the neutrals, but tough for us reds to watch. We looked so leggy from the opening whistle. I know we had players jetting in late from a million miles away, but we looked off the pace early doors.
We did ever so well to get the lead back after going 2 down. But I felt every time Brighton went forward they were chance of scoring. Thank fuck they had Danny Welbeck on the end of some of those chances. He butchered 2 or 3 great opportunities.
Defensively, we look a mess. As much as it pains me to say it, VVD looks a shadow of his former self. The last goal he should of cleared easily but had an air swing. Even Matip was caught out a couple of times. We’ve heard all about TAA via the media, but to me, he sometimes looks disinterested. He is caught out of position all too often. I get that he gives us that attacking threat, but no player in our team loses/gives the ball away more than Trent. I’m not sure what the answer is there. Hopefully Jurgen can sort out the back 4. Thank Christ we have Ali. He conceded 3 and could have been our best player today.
Mo seems to have completely lost his first touch. But he just keeps on showing for the ball and it just didn’t happen for him today. He never gave up and kept having a crack, but in fairness was handled well by the Brighton defence. Fabs also looked very leggy. His first touch was atrocious at times and at times, Brighton went past him way too easily.
But the positives, it was great to see Bobby back in the goals. Diaz was a handful when he came on as well. Thiago is just class. He keeps getting out of sticky situations so easily. He just needs help in there. Already mentioned Ali. Probably close to being the best keeper in the world at the moment. I get the substitution of the Greek Scouser, even though it looked bonkers at the time. He will be playing lots of minutes over the next few games until Robbo is back. He was our pick of the defenders before he went off. Gives his all every minute of the game.
On the balance of it all, Brighton deserved a point, even if their keeper made a few really decent saves. It’s hard to argue any other way, even with our red tinted glasses on. We had more shots and possession, yes, but they could or should, have been 4 up after 30 with better finishing. Jurgen needs to find another gear for the squad. We are too good a team to be mid table. Top 4 is now the target and we need to improve a hell of a lot to get there.
Plenty of football over the next month to work things out. Couple of good results against Arsenal and City and the whole feeling around the club will change for the better.
