Defensive solidity on the road

Given today's result, the number of goals we have conceded in our last 6 away matches (starting with today) is 1,0,2,0,0 and 0. So a total of 3 goals in 6 games. This seemed pretty good to me, and I wondered how it compared to Poyet's record over the last 2 seasons.

Poyet's Championship Brighton teams had only one 6-game spell that matches this record; the last game of 2011-12 against Barnsley plus the first 5 away games of last season, when an identical 3 goals were conceded.

If we include our first away game of this season against Leeds, Oscar's side have conceded 5 goals in 7 matches. Poyet's teams had a best return of 4 goals conceded in 7 matches (that same stretch mentioned earlier plus the next match at Leicester).

Over the last few weeks there have been numerous comments on here that we are missing Tanno's defensive coaching; have a far inferior left-back in Ward compared to Bridge; have a right-back in Bruno who is a defensive liability and are missing the defensive prowess of Liam Bridcutt protecting the back four. Also that Garcia, with his lack of previous English football experience, was a massive (and incorrect?) gamble.

Clearly we have been struggling to score goals this season, but with the injuries we have had amongst our attacking players, the results on the road would suggest that when those players start to return, they will come back into a side with very solid defensive foundations. Well done Oscar, Nathan and the team.

And overall, sixth best defensive record in the division. That's the glass half full argument and fair play, a good record. The glass half empty one says that we have the sixth worst scoring record in the division so you could argue that is a failure of OG's new style - unfair I think at this stage.

We are 12th with a 50% record which is fine presently, particularly after losing first two and the injury list.

warmleyseagull said:

And overall, sixth best defensive record in the division. That's the glass half full argument and fair play, a good record. The glass half empty one says that we have the sixth worst scoring record in the division so you could argue that is a failure of OG's new style - unfair I think at this stage.

We are 12th with a 50% record which is fine presently, particularly after losing first two and the injury list.

Click to expand...

When you consider that the only defensive player out for any length of time was Bridcutt, all the rest have been offensive players, quite understandable, that we havent scored that many, as compared to clean sheets etc

Good thread, well highlighted.

Ward has been a good signing so I don't think we're missing Bridge much apart from offensively (and that's down to the lack if cover from bidders - with him the full backs would have the option to attack more). No blame for the lack if goals on OG. Looks who has been missing - can't pin that on the manager. Ulloa, CMS and Orlandi (plus Spanish Dave with a full pre season) would have completely changed our scoring stats.

Just to update this, Oscar Garcia's Albion have now conceded just 3 goals in their last 7 away games - something Poyet's Albion were never able to achieve at this level. Five clean sheets in that run, including 3 against the teams relegated from the Premier League last season.

AZ Gull said:

Just to update this, Oscar Garcia's Albion have now conceded just 3 goals in their last 7 away games - something Poyet's Albion were never able to achieve at this level. Five clean sheets in that run, including 3 against the teams relegated from the Premier League last season.

Click to expand...

It's helped that 3 Of the back 5 have been ever present and Ward hasn't missed a game since joining