[Albion] Brighton & Hove Albion vs Arsenal *** Official Match Thread ***

[zefarelly]

Liverpool

Wolves? Or was that 1 up, 3-1 down?

 

[Jackthelad]

Completely lost his man for their 2nd.

He's not a defender, he can't do everything, and he's already holding much of the team today.

 

[Surf's Up]

Merson on sky is a special breed of bellend isn’t he

Even bigger than Alan Smith you mean is that possible

 

[1066familyman]

Took much ball watching for the goals. Not at the races defensively so far.

 

[crodonilson]

Astonishing there was booing. Seems like a few of the players are more interested in the New Year festivities post match as are plenty of the audience.

 

[sagaman]

We look absolutely second best today. Shows how thin our squad is with this bench

 

[origigull]

We need to pick up the pace 2nd half. It's ok playing like we have done IF we are not losing but it's a bit slow ATM. Still there is 45 mins to play.

 

[Paulie Gualtieri]

Sat down in the WSU / North end and there was a bit of it around

Sat in WSU Block I last season - I can imagine if it’s who I think it is!

 

[zefarelly]

Stating the obvious but to get a point we need the next goal

Well . . . We could score 3 or 4.

stranger things have happened

last 4-4 I remember was Leyton Orient ? @ the proper ground.

 

[DarrenFreemansPerm]

Me too, absolutely nothing

I'm in the ground. Simply didn't happen.

.

 

[Mancgull]

Disappointing first half.

Fell asleep for the early goal, which set the tone for the rest of it. Has to go down as a Lamptey error I'm afraid.

Second goal was somewhat fortuitous... but not particularly undeserved or against the run of play though.

Tonight is demonstrating why Caicedo, Mac Allister and Welbz are massive absences from the squad. Would be a different game with them in the side.

We're not playing badly... but we're playing a top side tonight, without key players.

Trossard is not particularly effective in this role. Perhaps even wasted. Needs a rethink IMO.

Can't see anything other than an Arsenal win tonight. We need an early goal to stay in this... but I'm not optimistic.

Spot on analysis.
Arsenal aren’t where they are without being a very good ( and expensive) team. Too many first team absences For us to even make a game of it.

 

[severnside gull]

Trossard needs to be wider to have any impact but we have no pace to fill the void from midfield (with our two stellar midfielders out) so no great surprise. Good to see Gilmour getting involved but he’s not got the same intent

 

[Berty23]

Alan smith is such a biased pundit. Martinelli showing class how he found saka he said. If he did mean to play it off two players then he is an absolute genius!

The second goal the studio analysis said Od showing his class. He shanked that like I shank my wedges at the moment. Very very lucky.

That said they have been miles better than us.

 

[andys320]

Solly for Veltman, Lallana for Trossard, play three at back?

 

[Nobby Cybergoat]

Well . . . We could score 3 or 4.

stranger things have happened

last 4-4 I remember was Leyton Orient ? @ the proper ground.

I think the opposition today is of a slightly higher calibre. But yes I get your point

 

[Taybha]

Got to change something at half time but in all honesty it's tricky knowing what we can do,Lallana has been invisible so maybe bring on Ferguson for Adam and drop Trossard in as the 10, he just does not like being isolated like he is,nothing to lose now and Ferguson will at least give them something different to think about, it's been far to easy for them so far,and if Colwill stops the game for a cup of tea on the half way line one more time I fear for my TV screen come on lads get stuck in now.

 

[Sarisbury Seagull]

Don’t think Arsenal have actually been that exceptional- we just given them 2 easy goals then just been toothless

You’re not giving Arsenal enough credit there, they’ve made us look toothless. They’re set up superbly, very difficult to break down but also then very dangerous in transition. They’re in control of everything they do, incredibly well coached and organised.

They do look like champions-elect.

 

[Paulie Gualtieri]

isn’t quite working with Trossard through the middle and his body language isn’t exactly reassuring that he’s fully engaged.

Hopefully some early second half changes - would like to see Ferguson for 45 against the already carded Gabriel, need someone to hold it up centrally as devoid of ideas down the wings at the minute

 

[Eric the meek]

Agree with several comments - Arsenal are very, very good.

Warren mentioned that we need an extra midfielder on to compete, but we don't have the one we need on the bench.

 

[jackanada]

My half time report.
Fortuitous start for arsenal, Lampteys first run gives away possession and lo the attack into vacated RB position leads a little fortuitously to goal.
Brighton grow into the game but arsenal look dangerous, after about 30 mins you feel they now deserve their lead. Shortly after as a festive treat we concede one of those goals of mysterious incompetence that used to be a regular feature.
Nothing on the bench to change really. We're a little unfortunate but at the same time I'd estimate xG at 1.3 Vs 0.3 in arsenal's favour. Though I am drunk.
Expecting a highly professional (irritating) half from the arse now. A bit of huffing and puffing from us but they're a highly competent side I don't expect to be drawn out of position when they're leading.