No spark, no flair in the team to turn the game against a very organised Brighton set up. Midfield was reminiscent of last season's offerings, in other words anonymous.
The much talked about "work ethic" is something we lacked last season and Malky is addressing it, but you need something special to turn a game like that. Earnie and Miller buzz around but create little themselves and were poorly fed from midfield anyway - the long ball game is not for them.
Admittedley the guys need time to develop instinctive interplay between each other, and that will eventually pay dividends, but that won't be enough on its' own.
There was nothing outstanding about Brighton other than they've been well organised by Poyet, whereas Malky hasn't had the time yet. You need something special to break down a team like that - they've played and won 3 games now and will win a lot more in this division.
If the club is serious about its' stated aspirations this season, "work ethic" alone wont achieve it - some game-turning flair needs to be brought in. Whitts is pure quality in my opinion and can do it, but he won't do it on his own.
I will say I think Mason was a superb buy for the future.