a degree of optimism. Something of a free-hit, but at this stage, every single point we can get could be hugely significant to whether we will be playing Premier League football in August.
In the build-up to the game, Mr Andy Naylor of the Argus reported Hughton’s pleasure at seeing Kayal do so well after coming on early at Wolves for the injured Davy Pröpper. And quite right too - the tenacious midfielder has suffered from Hughton’s preference for the Stephens-Pröpper partnership, but it
was great to see Kayal put in a top-class performance. A highly capable footballer in my view, worthy of a place in our squad without a doubt. Sometimes it’s tough to allow game time for all the players, but with Pröpper out, Beram can enjoy a deserved opportunity.
Or not. Team news is out, and a number of changes, but most notable is Kayal’s absence. Bissouma, not even on the bench against Cardiff and Wolves, is preferred. Very, very harsh on the Israeli in my book, you can’t help but feel sorry for him. Naylor speculates Hughton’s selection may have the more winnable Newcastle game in mind; if that were the case, you might expect the recently returned Pascal Groß to be rested rather than Kayal. Bit of a strange one.
The other changes: Montoya, Bernardo, Ali J, Bissouma, Locadia, Andone in for Bruno, Bong, Propper, March, Jose, and Murray. Wholesale.
A first visit also, to Tottenham’s shiny new Stadium: A lavish football cathedral with a huge 17,500 single tier ‘Wall of Sound, a five-storey high glass atrium, a Sky Walk attraction and it’s own Brewery...surely the perfect setting for a first Brighton goal in 5 league games, which would also be the first ever away goal at Spurs’ new home. Okay, I’ll take a shot on target.
Kick-off arrived swiftly, an excessive light show and we were ready to get under against a full-strength Spurs side. And from the very beginning, Albion’s intentions for the evening were evident- Florin Andone, normally so tenacious, wasn’t even bothering to engage with any Spurs possession play past the halfway line. On this evidence, it didn’t appear as though the game was likely to be the most entertaining spectacle. And after checking the opening exchanges in the evening’s other fixture, you have to wonder if Sky were feeling a tinge of regret choosing to televise this one instead. That didn’t take Long.
15 or so minutes gone and we’ve emerged unscathed. Ali J wins a free kick with a clever turn, the signal for Dunk and Duffy to make their way forward. Pascal steps up and delivers a trademark pinpoint delivery, and it’s volleyed fiercely towards goal by...Victor Wanyama? Bizarre clearance from the Kenyan Captain, but another set piece for the Albion. This one is swung in towards the back post, Vertonghen with a fistful of Dunk’s shirt desperately trying to impede Lewis and slow his run. Referee uninterested, but it’s another corner. Keep it up lads, we might get some joy from these.
Now it’s Tottenham’s turn to try their luck, spoilt for choice when it comes to set-piece wizards. Wide on the left, it’s a wicked free kick from Eriksen, with a manic scramble ensuing. Dunk clears but only as far as Kane deputy Llorente, multiple Albion defenders throw their bodies in the way of a shot from close range. SUPERB defending. The ball’s still loose -swiped away by Ryan, then finally hacked clear. Looks like we’re rediscovering our defensive resilience at just the right time. Brilliant lads.
Confidence appears to be coming back somewhat, as Albion rediscover how to do what they do best: defend for their lives. Another corner, and another smart delivery. Lloris has to punch this one, as Dunk rises high and looks likely to nod the ball home. That elusive slice of luck still evades us.
Then another scare, ultimately defended well. Bissouma looked to have taken the ball on the slide, but a foul is given. I twitch nervously thinking of the lavish quality Spurs possess from these dead-ball situations. Thunderbolt from Tripper? A precise wedged effort from Eriksen? No, a quick free kick is taken, Lucas Moura fed in down the left, with space to produce something. To my surprise, Bernardo is alive to the situation and does well to block. Real danger evaporated effortlessly. Next attack, the Brazilian then does well to match Son for pace, and his tackle results in an Albion goal kick. Must be watching Bong closely in training. Great stuff.
A few shots from distance, all wildly over. Albion’s low block defensive working effectively, beginning to frustrate the home side and restrict dangerous space.
As well as Albion are playing, the first half feels like it’s taking FOREVER. Spurs take more and more control, and we’re relying on individual defensive brilliance now to keep the score at zero. But boy are we getting it, a phenomenal block AGAIN from Dunk. The ball is fed across to Lucas is space, who fizzes a shot-cross low across goal. If it wasn’t going in on its own, Dele Alli was lurking completely alone to surely send it home. Or he would have done, if not for some more sublime defensive play from our captain, hooking the ball up and away facing his own goal. What an improvement from his Anfield-juggling-antics all those years ago.
Andone surges forward a la Palace at home, and for a few glorious moments, it looked as though he was going to go all the way on a Vicente-esque slaloming run. As he approaches the goal, Florin’s just caught by the retreating Spurs backline and sent sprawling with a well-timed challenge. Immediately after, Alireza finds space on the right and sends in a delicious cross, just evading the Romanian. Nice quality from the lively Ali J, the kind of thing we’d love to see on a more regular basis from our record signing.
For all of Spurs’ attacking play, and for all our last-ditch defensive mastery, the closest is yet to come. (For this half at least). Dele Alli plucks the ball out of the air as he’s sent through, goal gaping. The England International prods the ball towards goal, past the sprawling Ryan. Sake. Shane Duffy has other plans, darting back onto the goal line and hacking the ball clear at the last. There’s almost as much satisfaction in watching fabulous, committed defensive play as there is in seeing a goal. Inspired Shane. Bloody brilliant. Get in Albion.
HT, and overall, really pleasing. Dunk and Duffy standout, dealing with everything thrown at them with ease. More of the same please lads.
After a deserved 15 minute breather, we’re ready to get back underway. Bernardo draws a foul and wins a valuable set-piece opportunity. More great work from the left-back, showing great energy to run clear of 3 Spurs players. The free kick is worked to Groß, then lifted to Duffy at the back post. A Spurs defender crumples the ground. No foul, just a very clever, well-positioned block from the Albion. Training ground hours not wasted in this case, as the ball finds Duffy perfectly. The Irishman leaps high, but plants his header straight to Lloris, a massively wasted opportunity. Across goal, and the ball could have gone in off anyone. Need better from there.
A few more minutes of solid defensive play go by, limiting the home side to shots from distances, each sailing well over the bar. At minute 63, a sensible change, if not a desired one. Murray on for Andone, the Romanian a second yellow waiting to happen. Florin looks less than pleased to be substituted, visibly perplexed at his withdrawal. Maybe when he’s available for selection against Newcastle and comes on to score the winner, he’ll consider this may have been the right call.
Yet another shot from distance for the home side, Rose cuts in onto his right foot but it’s a good save from Ryan. Our Socceroo shot-stopper getting two strong hands to the fierce drive - another key player coming into good form at just the right time.
Special mention to Bissouma for combining shameless time wasting with a never before seen flair. An Albion throw delayed after the Malian was given the ball, but opted to rabona the ball immediately back out of play. Brilliant stuff.
Soon after, a huge escape. Albion are still sitting extremely deep, but effectively coaxing Spurs into hit-and-hopers. Not this time, the ball finds its way into the box, Alderweireld turns and fires the ball low, please no. The ball escapes Ryan’s sprawling dive, and thunders off the inside of the post. Minor panic as the ball flies across the goalmouth...and out. Phew. Close as Spurs have come.
March on for Ali J. Has to be said, the Iranian has done well considering our limited attacking adventure. Looked promising in attack, diligent in defence. His millions of Iranian super fans will be delighted. Lord help us when he finally shins in his first goal for the club.
Into the last 15 minutes, and every minute that ticked by my nerves worsened. Wasn’t especially hopeful of getting anything tonight, but a vital point was now tantalisingly close. Spurs’ desperation demonstrated with a rare appearance for former Albion target Vincent Janssen. Surely not. Shot from Eriksen, saved low by Ryan, but straight to Janssen. SURELY NOT. Marvellous saving tackle by Dunk to poke the ball clear. By now Lewis is single-handedly doing everything he can to grind out a glorious 0-0, and so far it has worked a treat. One of our own bricking up the goal and defending it with his life.
Come on Albion...please hang on.
Just five minutes left of normal time, and Kayal finally gets his chance, on for Bissouma.
The Israeli breaks, a few Albion players scampering forward to join him, maybe sensing a chance for the ultimate smash and grab. Kayal is furthest forward though, he cuts in and fires wildly over. I spotted Locadia, making a lung-busting run forward, if only he’d waited for the imminent reinforcements. Decision making is everything in football; it’s these fine margins, those split-second choices when you’re up against teams of immense ability that make the difference.
Minute 88, the difference is made. Sickener.
World class strike from Eriksen, nothing Ryan could have done. For all our great work, one impossibly unfair show of quality and we get nothing. Absolute bloody sickener.
March flashes a low drive wide, and the game is up. So unfortunate, harsh in the extreme on this Albion team who’ve given everything once again. It reaffirms of course, what was evident from the Wolves shutout-that this team is very much together, and very much fighting. And regardless of the result, that was a message sent to any remaining detractors, the moaners and the doom-mongers. No doubt there will be those who will try to use the result as evidence of that we’re continuing to struggle, not a chance. In an ever more demanding football world, where there is always a critic on style of play, on results at home, results away, team selection, system, choice of substitutions and which kit we wear, sometimes you have to take a step back. All you can ask is the players give everything for the badge, play as a team and show desire: we got that in spades with this performance. An incredible defensive effort that we should all be proud of.
Dunk is given MOTM - not sure how you could award it to anyone else. Hope you were watching, Mr Southgate (undoubtedly you’ll be reading this so if you missed the game, do go back and watch it). There’s no doubting Lewis’ supreme ability when you see him at the top of his game.
And with that, we can move on to the REALLY big game. There’s pressure, for sure, and that’s where we have to make the difference. The team gave everything tonight, so it’s our turn to give everything on Saturday. Buy balloons. Buy streamers for LUZZING. Shout encouragement and sing until your voice is hoarse or gone entirely. Make the AMEX as much of a fortress as Tottenham’s new gigantic discotheque. Consider this an official call to arms - this is a big day in the history of Brighton and Hove Albion, make no mistake.
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