Can’t believe you wrote that as I thought similar. They were pressing well before the injury; had the McC foot save & a few other half chances but I felt rather & strangely positive. The injury pushed them into a “****e, let’s go for it” & wham; we looked lost. If we deserved a point Wednesday; then Potter deserved a point today.
Even so, the thought of a 24 year old GK that's never played for us to come on with a 1-0 lead doesn't sound good to me. McCarthy probably thought he was helping by not disclosing how bad his injury was.
Only my second game of the Season and a much needed point, but it felt like a defeat. Ref. Taylor normally one of the best, totally lost the plot and was complicit in our downfall. Add to that so many wasted chances, totally unprofessional behaviour by several senior players, and poor game management, it was a recipe for disaster. Hardly anyone wearing masks, I put myself at risk just be served with this abysmal performance. Ralph blaming players, although correct, he shouldn't be doing that in public, it is not good for morale! My next game will be Brentford, just hope there are some signs of improvement by then.
Just my view on it, his use of the advantage rule was very inconsitent, credit him for trying to keep the game flowing, but players down for too long before play was stopped. Only two yellows for Brighton despite some cynical tackles, Four for us, for lesser offences. I am biased of course.
I don’t see any similarity between our position when Nige was sacked and our position now. And Espanyol were hardly a tiny Spanish side, and Poch wasn’t a no-hoper.
Sure, I think he missed one or two yellows for Brighton but I don't think he contributed to our downfall in any way.
Two yellows for Duffy may have helped! Just watching the Sky replay and I am even more convinced that Duffy should have gone for the second identical foul on Broja.
Nige was a much loved manager who had us playing attacking football, but just didn’t get the results we wanted. I see some similarities.
Agree, it sounds like there's a problem there and Ralph has had enough? Best to call it what it is, truth hurts, but I think the captain also bears responsibility here too in more ways than one. Firstly his own crass error, secondly, not being in communication with his manager from what is actually happening on the field and thirdly not getting into the heads of those around him as to what needs to be done. A bad day at the office for JWP I'm afraid. Let's hope that lesson from today inspires a much more complete performance at Arsenal.
During our good run (basically all of 2019) we seemed to enjoy defending. There was less of this panic, I have to say, I was disappointed in Oriel and JWP towards the end of the game, they showed the most panic and anxiety when they should be taking command and revelling in extinguishing Brighton's hopes.
Because all the away fans had their trains cancelled or delayed JWP just wanted to Brighton their day
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. Several times now Ralph’s been frustrated by both keepers and sometimes you just have to tell it like it is.
Pretty much settles it for me. Next time I'm only getting the half-season ticket option and leaving after the first 45 mins each match
Agree 100% with all that, apart the last. With suspensions, our usual performance, etc. there’s little chance of any recompense. Of course strange things happen (miracles) but I think the bookies will call this right. We’re ****ed! Obviously a great battling performance & a little unlucky tho.