It does, however, feel like we deliberately "defend too deep" when we have the lead (and that this costs us points from conceding late goals that could otherwise be avoided) - but these stats suggest otherwise, which is reassuring.
Can't agree with that. The bloke behind me in WSU, who I regard as a bit of a sage on all things football related, repeatedly asserted that Brighton should "get it forward" and "the goal's down that way" in the latter stages on Saturday.I like that, even if we need a late goal, we still try and play. We're not made to hoof it long, keep playing and believe a chance will arise. We almost got a late winner against Charlton and we got a late equaliser against Leicester.
...the 85th minute.
Those late goals have won Albion 17 points, let slip 16.
31 goals in total. For 18. Against 13.
Did a piece on it HERE if anyone interested.
Just thought the headline stats might be of interest to people on here.
These are good points. A friend of mine who genuinely knows about football (Premier League scout) made a similar case when I talked to him about it and he also said that a lot what goes on is down to the players and not the manager i.e. that the players instinctively do what is necessary in terms of the positions they take up to maximise the chance of winning. If it was as simple as playing higher up the pitch and continuing to attack then they would do that.The whole sitting deep thing is a really difficult one for a manager isn't it.
If I was sitting there as Gus and I knew the opposition will start having double the players running up the pitch in search of a late goal (2 strikers, maybe 3 midfielders and arguably a defender), I couldn't see myself doing anything other than telling my team to drop. The worst nightmare is the ball being player over and have 2 or 3 runners bearing down on goal. The last thing you want is your defenders having to turn and run.
So I would say, you're not so much inviting them on, your purely attempting to lower the risk. Of course, this appears negative to the crowd but a lead is a precious commodity.
That's just how I see it anyway.
Good work. Another issue for me is why we can't win after falling behind. We haven't managed to do that since THE Doncaster game, getting on now for two years. Why? What's all that about? "Mental" rigour, leadership on the pitch? I'm baffled. I know the first goal in this league is very important but to go nearly two years is extraordinary for such a talented group of players.
I've got the stats from the 90th minute onwards I'll have to fish out. Our record is a lot worse from that point of the game.