I think that's what has to be said about the game, we knew Brighton would set out and try to pass us off the park so we knew a gritty and determined performance would be needed. Reverting to 4-5-1 away from home was no major surprise, I was slightly surprised to see Wilson start on the right after his recent performances, I thought he may stick with Pritchard out right and bring in Gower or Stephens. Their biggest threat came down their left from Lualua who troubled Solly in the first half, but he had minimal help from Wilson. Hamer made a great save from an Upson header in the first half and managed to claw it out, which really set the tone for the game. Harriott and Wiggins combined well on the left and were our greatest threat throughout the game, as good as Harriott is, his decision making still needs to be improved, but this will come with experience, he often avoids using the overlapping runs from Wiggins when it would be better suited to play it. For all of Brighton's possession and dominance in the first half they were restricted to a few chances. Second half started in a similar fashion to the first but with about 30 minutes to go the team started to settle into the deep lying, defending position. Whilst this works for some periods, we do need to learn when to push up and apply pressure to Brighton, but I also think this came because of the lack of support with Kermorgant, the long balls were being player to him, and whilst winning many of the flick on's he had no support, I thought that introducing Haynes may have allowed us to push on. Somehow we managed to sit and defend, resolute defending, determination and belief in the cause managed to see us through, with some first class saves from Hamer, a clearance off the line. Powell made a good sub, bring on Stephens for Wilson, I was worried he may introduce Taylor put him in the midfield which would have doomed us I think, but Stephens gave more calm in the middle and nearly won it for us, if not for a fine save from Kuszczak. Hamer- 9 Flapped at one cross but kept us in the game with a few outstanding saves Solly- 7 Troubled by Lualua to begin with but managed to get to grip with him as the game progressed Morro- 6 Solid Dervite- 6 As above Wiggins- 6 Not his usual self going forward but still good link up play with Harriott Wilson-4 Dreadful game, nothing seemed to go for him JJ- 7 Great captain's performance Hughes 7- quiet but did his job Pritch 6- Tireless but lacked ability in final third Harriott- 7 made a few mistakes but still our biggest attacking threat Kermorgant- 7 Battled well upfront, won lots of headers and was good on the ball
Poyet made none, but I think he was justified as they could play a match like that eight more times and win on each occasion. We rode our luck for sure.
