Apart from the result there wasn’t a whole lot to make you remember this game, unless you’re Mauricio Pochettino in which case you can probably feel smug as you point to the rest given to some potentially key players, the clean sheet and the three points.
Brighton were very poor thankfully, particularly in attack where they lacked ambition and technique. Their wide players regularly had opportunities to make the most of space behind Aurier and Rose but they never did. Often their wingers found themselves outnumbering the defenders but the number of moments of any danger was small, one early run from Knockaert apart.
Hemed had their best chance of the game, a turn and shot late on when it was still 1-0 but for them to have scored and taken something would’ve been something of a travesty. Their fans were applauding overhit through balls and getting very excited by winning corners so I guess they’re used to it. The right back flailing uselessly whilst in possession before retreating late on brought a few murmurs of disgruntlement but otherwise I think they seemed satisfied with watching the poo that was mostly served up by their side.
Talking of overhit corners and free-kicks, sloppy passing and general casualness in possession, we weren’t very good either. If we play anything like that on Saturday then the high pressing manic energy of Man City will be way more than we can cope with especially if we leave as much room on the flanks as we did. Walker may enjoy himself against Davies.
The first goal was a fluke but ironically wouldn’t have happened if Aurier wasn’t being fouled whilst in the act of crossing. We’d missed a few clear cut chances before then, Kane and Son being the guilty parties. The late wrapper up was welcome and again had an element of good fortune to it.
Overall it’s nice to get that one out of the way. A cold rainy Wednesday night in December against an awkwardish opponent. Three points, job done, bring on Citeh.
COYS
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