Match Report: Brighton 0 Spurs 1 (back on track?)
Saturday was a very long day. I arrived back in England on Wednesday evening from the Frankfurt game. A game we should have won and won comfortably, but didn’t (hopefully, the draw will be adequate). Now we had to concentrate on our league position. Despite being apprehensive, Saturday couldn’t come quick enough… we were ready to rumble.
Still with crutches, we drove (we, being Mel and myself) to Brighton and their Park & Ride (on the way, a cup of coffee). Because I am with foot in boot, we drove straight to the disabled parking section, parked up, and got a bus straight to the ground (all very helpful because of my unfortunate position – even on the bus). Once we arrived, I got a programme and some food, went around to our Spurs end, and chatted to Lisa and other Tottenham stewards. Then into the ground and met up with Ian, Colin, Steffi, Janet and Kevin. Then waited…
… and waited… time seemed to drag… finally, the players came out. We were comfortably seated… or stood!
The battle commences.
Even though Seagulls have changed manager, they are still a good team under their new Governor (Roberto de Zerbi). Before the game, they, like us, had only been beaten once. Their last encounter, before this game, was a 3-3 draw with Liverpool.
Harry Kane scored his eighth goal of the season as we won at Brighton to strengthen our league position and challenge for a top-four spot. His first-half header was enough to secure a Spurs triumph that keeps us third behind leaders, the Woolwich Mugswampers, who beat the reds of Liverpool the following day (Sunday).
Liverpool, who have lost their magic touch, are now starting to flounder and disintegrate before their own dole-queuers-supporters-eyes. Sadly, Woolwich, who beat them 3-2, live to get destroyed another day. Let us hope it is sooner than later…
…away from the dole queuers and the North London Squatters; and back to the rightful heirs of North London…
Brighton started slowly but grew into the game and had chances to equalise before the break. Their Lewis Dunk sent a header just over the bar before Solly March hit a low effort just wide of goal as half-time approached.
Second half…
Both sides struggled to break each other down, although Kane should have put the game out of sight when he turned his Brighton marker, but then heaved his shot wide, while the United and Woolwich former player Danny – low sperm count – Welbeck swept a good chance off target for the hosts.
A late injury to Kane took off after getting caught on the back of his foot, but he could walk off the pitch and confirmed after the game that it was “just a knock”.
This win means we have 20 points from nine games, while Brighton are sixth on 14 points.
That’s the story so far, morning glory.
My thoughts…
We looked defensively sound; however, the midfield three left way too many holes for Brighton to exploit. Nevertheless, I expect Conte to rotate between 3-4-3 and 3-5-2.
We were treated to a new formation, and a new pressing tactic, at least in the first half. We camped in the Brighton final third and pressed with Kane, Son, the wing-backs, with Bentancur high up the pitch. Sometimes we won the ball high and created a good opportunity. Other times we forced Seagulls to go long so they would turn over possession. However, we were very open once Brighton broke the press.
Bissouma starts; it was only his second start for us. The former Brighton player looked rusty and sloppy on the ball in the middle and half a yard slower than others at times. We didn’t see any of his hallmark winning back possession and driving down the pitch. Despite this, I expect him to improve as his game sharpness grows.
Doherty looked rusty on the ball, but he seems like more of a natural RWB. He got in behind in the first 30 minutes and should have squared to Sessegnon for a tap-in, then volleyed just over at the back post. But I do not doubt that he will improve as he plays more games.
Ryan Sessegnon was splendid at the back and a willing runner in attack.
The next time it could all be different… with Conte, you never know. He is a tactician and will adapt to the team he is playing against. Did the Woolwich Mugswampers beat us because we had a player sent off… or were we just ducks waiting for slaughter? I think we could have got a draw. But we’ll never know… although when we face them at our ground, I expect a different game. I also expect them to have been knocked down a couple of pegs by then.
Next up, Frankfurt on Wednesday, followed by Everton in the League.
COYS!
Glenn
My name is Glenn Renshaw.
I am currently a Premium Season Ticket holder (West Stand) in the new stadium. Before that – at White Hart Lane – a season ticket holder in various parts of the ground (mainly in the North stand).
Before becoming a season ticket holder, I stood on the shelf and various other parts of the ground since the 1960s (the season of the double). In 1987 I became one of the first to hold a Spurs Membership card. I was also a life long member of the Spurs supporters club (now defunct).
I go to all home, away and abroad matches.
I was born in 1955, Edgware, London. I currently live in Berkshire.
I also collect all Spurs books, Spurs handbooks, Spurs programmes etc.
Previously, I wrote for Spurs Fanzines: The Spur, Spur of the Moment, My Eyes have seen the Glory and various other Spurs fanzines’. I also wrote for the SpursWeb app & its website.
I currently write and work for spursnetwork.com and its website. I write its Reviews & Match reports and a lot more.
My other interests are; reading, history, social history, Politics, going to the gym, wine, going out for a meal, music (all sorts), writing, theatre, concerts, going on holidays, socialising etc.
I have been writing blogs/ articles since 1989
If you wish to read more of my blog, please click “here”
Interesting perspective…….
Another point of view is always interesting. Thanks for your comment.