Summary
WE ARE (probably) STAYING UP!! There is no more important takeaway from
this one. A goal from the in-form Leandro Trossard (24') proved to be
enough to claim the three points. Norwich would push on late in the game,
but we held on with a solid defensive performance.
The Good
The foremost good thing from Carrow Road was that we got the three points
and reached 36 on the season. 36 points has been enough to stay up the past
three seasons. Some fans complained that "we should have had more goals"-
probably the same fans that were complaining after three straight 1-0
victories last year. We all know what would transpire soon after. So,
please, just enjoy the victory.
Tactically, Potter won the battle on the day. Our side wasn't quite
creating chances aggressively, but that was part of the plan. Potter
instructed his team to take what chances came, make smart runs, but don't
"force it". Because- why would we need to? This isn't the almighty perfect
Liverpool- if we were patient, something would fall our way. And it
certainly did.
In our midfield third a poor pass from Norwich- the kind of mistake we knew
would come- gave the Albion the chance to break. Bissouma intercepted,
passed to Maupay, then to Mooy, and Trossard slided his cross home. A
classic counter-attack though many wouldn't describe it as that.
Funny how we were getting picked apart with goals like that prior to lockdown. In the Watford home fixture, Mooy gave the ball away in a similar area (trying to force a pass), Watford broke on the counter, and scored. Numerous other times early in the season this occurred. In the Sheffield United away fixture, Lewis Dunk took a heavy touch- and recovered well- but that kind of slip-up nearly gave Sheffield the chance to go back in front late in the game.
Funny how we were getting picked apart with goals like that prior to lockdown. In the Watford home fixture, Mooy gave the ball away in a similar area (trying to force a pass), Watford broke on the counter, and scored. Numerous other times early in the season this occurred. In the Sheffield United away fixture, Lewis Dunk took a heavy touch- and recovered well- but that kind of slip-up nearly gave Sheffield the chance to go back in front late in the game.
Now, Potter has realized he can exploit that strategy too. He knew that
Norwich struggled with finishing and as long as his defence didn't give them
too many chances, there wouldn't be a "Sergio Aguero finish" moment
(ironically, there almost was there at the end). In the first half Hernandez
for Norwich did have a few chances in front of goal, but they required
picture-perfect finishes, which he was unable to accomplish.
Even Aaron Mooy after the game admitted their strategy was clear, saying,
"We wanted to keep our shape and make it difficult for Norwich to get
through us. We were fine for them to have the ball and play it around at the
back and I thought we did that very well.” [Brighton and Hove Albion]
So, eventually that previously mentioned slip-up came, we countered, and
simple 1-0. Playing solid defence, waiting for our chance, and taking it.
Exactly what the gaffer would've wanted to see.
Also, I wanted to mention our swift change at the end from back four to
back five, bringing Duffy and Bernardo on to make that transition. Our
versatility in formation shape has been a key asset and proved to be
effective in locking down the final few minutes.
The Bad
Not much went wrong for the Seagulls at Carrow Road. Throughout the game,
Norwich did create a handful of half-chances, but required the kind of
precision passing and finishing you simply don't find with the league's
lowest-ranked team. The Canaries did enjoy 55% of possession and 11 shots
(only 1 on target), but failed to apply continuous pressure on the Brighton
back line.
There was the occasional creative burst though, and it almost led to
fruition. In stoppage time, Norwich flew in yet another cross at our mighty
back five. Ironic that we have paraded Big Dan Burn for his mighty presence and yet it
was he who was beaten, Adam Idah getting the wrong side of him and glancing
a header that *thankfully* hit the post.
To allow a side one real chance at goal in the entire match is a solid
defensive performance in my opinion.
Looking Ahead
Our next fixture is Liverpool at home. Should be an entertaining one, given
that the Reds have struggled to get going since their inevitable crowning as
Champions of England. Against Aston Villa, Liverpool had a sluggish first
half and had to wait until the 71' to get the lead. Perhaps we can take
advantage of this out-of-form Liverpool side and claim more
points...
A reminder that in the reverse fixture, we lost 1-2. However, both of Liverpool's goals were from Van Dijk off set-pieces. No reward for guessing which central defender was beaten in the air. Shane Duffy could certainly hope for some action this Wednesday, as we could certainly use that towering head. But, I must say, Webster has looked better since the restart.
A reminder that in the reverse fixture, we lost 1-2. However, both of Liverpool's goals were from Van Dijk off set-pieces. No reward for guessing which central defender was beaten in the air. Shane Duffy could certainly hope for some action this Wednesday, as we could certainly use that towering head. But, I must say, Webster has looked better since the restart.
Also, expect an analysis of Tarik Lamptey's standout
performance!
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