30 Aug 2026 17:05:27
On way back from Stamford Bridge after that entertaining 7 goal game in which we had so little possession for far too much of it.
Caicedp breaking down after coming on to shore up our non-existent midfield bar Lavia - who went off having done solo effort up to that point - was very concerning. If Enzo leaves we need to bring in Camarra and one further midfielder especially cos now Caicedo injury worry plus Lavia needs to be v carefully managed.
As have said for some time pointmis that neither Palmer nor Rogers can defend and Brighton had almost completed control in midfield. Both got goals and were involved in some v good attacking moves but just couldn't help much in terms of controlling the game in midfield.
My MoM was Pedro who looked in a league above all others on pitch in skill levels from my viewpoint - this time in East Stand Upper. Neto also v well taken chance from excellent work by Rogers. Fofana perhaps best of defenders though our weakness there was that neither Gusto nor Hato able to contain Brighton wide men who had enormous space and freedom far too often to get ball in our box. Martinez no chance with their first two goals but I didn't see their third as was on way out.
Positives were Pedro, Neto.
30 Aug 2026 17:49:51
JBS, I don't want too many entertaining games like that. I was baffled by the team selection. Obviously, we will score goals, but we must work on our midfield and defending. I am not surprised we were unable to control the game and had so little possession: our midfield was non-existent.
There is plenty to work on, but also plenty of positives. Hopefully, once the window is closed we will sharpen up. Big test next weekend.
30 Aug 2026 18:35:09
Agreed, Jimbo, we have to have more control of a game. But, yes, at times we looked wonderful going forward, and our second was a thing of beauty. So, yes, many positives, as well as an obvious complete lack of midfield possession.
30 Aug 2026 20:25:13
Caceido's a huge loss for our midfield, and immediately weakens us. I've also been really excited about seeing Palestra at full back, as I think he will be a gem. We still need to cut out a few sloppy errors, but I think this year we will be right up there. We have pretty much strengthened every area required.
30 Aug 2026 20:56:44
Whitey, yes, agree. However, one thing that has concerned me is Colwill. He has been very poor so far. I accept he has come back from a long term injury, but this has happened before.
He, at times, looks like he is a top class defender. Then he drops off, gets injured, and has to start again. So far he has been the weak link in the back three. Let's hope he can stay fit and step up.
30 Aug 2026 21:13:56
Give him a few weeks, Jimbo, he will well and truly prove his worth.