Gus wants more midfield goals (From The Argus)

Bit of a poser for the manager on Saturday - stick or twist..? It must be hard to evaluate the performance of the replacements against the backdrop of a match in which the team under-performed as a whole, other than getting a deserved win, that is! In fairness, they should at least get another start.
Still, that's what Gus is paid to do, so best of luck to him in Sarf London. We could certainly do with turning Palace over, ideally with quality football, but I for one don't think they are a busted flush by any means.

Palace have scored most home goals of any team in the Championship, Albion have conceded the least away goals. On paper, this should be a good game.
We need for our strikers to take their chances - even if they are penalties - like last year!

CM-S will surely start at Selhurst – he offers more solidity and greater work-rate, and was outstanding when he came on.

Dobbie only seems to show any spark coming off the bench, oddly.

Sleeping on it.
We were lucky to win ,if city had had half the luck we had another draw could have been on the cards.Greer working with half a brain,perhaps when his other centre back come back,they will have one brain to work with and carry on passing across the line to one another ,then passing back to the goalie.Is it possible for them to create something for the midfield to work on.Brain freeze had set in last night standing around waiting,not tackling,lack of movement and creativity.Compared to the Bolton game we played like S,.,.,.t, but got 3 points,other games we are top draw and can only draw.Sad to see so many leaving 5 - 10 minutes from the end

Anyone know of the situation with injuries after last night? Am hearing that a few players picked up niggles, including Bruno.

I thought Marcos Painter looked poor last night. He had a decent game on Saturday but looked uncomfortable last night and for much of the time passed the ball backwards. This appeared to upset the balance of the team - Bruno combined well with Bucks (and Orlandi) on the right to start a number of attacks. There was very little impetus on the left.

If Bridge isn't fit on Saturday, Painter will be vulnerable against Palace.

The forwards putting away the chances is also of some importance… Orlandi has looked the business recently after a promising start with a few MIA's. Hammond is starting to get the plot and I thought he played well on Saturday and last night. Talking of which…
Good result and a surprise change of personnel. Not sure it worked particularly well, Dobbie and Hoskins covering on the left made for a few uncomfortable moments and a lack of width at times, as both tended to drift in field. Painter's lack of forward ambition was perhaps a blessing in this case. When Dobbie went off this 'lop sidedness' was particularly evident and readjusted by Orlandi moving over to the left with Hoskins being withdrawn. But this was compensated by an otherwise 'professional' performance. Hoskins fluffed his script with a good chance and Dobbie was industrious without standing out. Got to give it to 'my mate Gus' for giving it a go.
Generally, after the drama of Saturday, this a bit pedestrian, after the first twenty minutes it was game over. Not complaining and feel that after staying in touch with the chasing pack, we can now start to establish ourselves as real pay off contenders. CMS looked good when he came on with a couple of great take downs and this bodes well for Saturday. As for Barnes, there were certainly a few around me who are in the 'anyone but Barnes' camp and they are not in the minority. But I think last night showed that the position is not just a case of putting Mr A.Forward in there and it takes a little bit of getting use to and dedicated application. The right hand side benefits from better cover from Bridcutt who can't be in two places at once (although he does try). Another alternative is two defensive midfielders but when push comes to shove, I don't care as long as we keep winning…

To get the best from Dobbie, he needs to be played either in the hole, advanced midfield or up front BESIDE another striker. Blackpool figured that out during his first loan spell, and Swansea eventually moved him there after planting him on the left wing for the first part of the season. He's not 6+ foot and cant run 100m in 10sec, but does create and score plenty when played just off the front (check youtube for proof).

I wonder what people want most.Play some terrific stuff against Bolton & blow it at both ends of the park or win a dull game against a certain relegation candidate at a stroll. I believe we needed a comfortable,non physical run out & victory last night before Saturday's inevitable battle.We should also remember we are Brighton not Bacelona when evaluating our performances throughout December when we have six tough fixtures, to be where we are now at the start of 2013 will do me just fine.

That's BARCELONA by the way before the " spell checkers" get busy!!!!

For me it's a no brainer, Hoskins must start alongside CMS with Dobbie providing cover for one or other. The still untried partnership of WH and CMS is going to yield big results, I am sure. And no better place to start than sarf lund'n. Fingers very firmly crossed.

It is verging on the bleeding obvious that Gus wants goals from midfield (don't we all) and needs goals from there with only one out and out striker. Orlandi has potential to provide them despite a very modest return when he was at Swansea. He has had plenty of chances and does get quite a few shots away in a game. With luck he will up his conversion rate. Not so sure about Crofts or Hammond although pleasing to see Hammond slightly more forward last night. I think when he is withdrawn momentum seems to grind to a halt when the ball passes through him. He doesn't drive forward or distribute quickly like Bridcutt. But that problem seemed to afflict Brighton's back line alot last night, they seemed strangely lacking in forward momentum and nervous on the ball apart from Bruno.

Nearly a 100% positive thread! Wow...
True a less exciting game than on Saturday but well happy with 3 pts and a fairly straightforward victory. A little sloppy at times but after Saturdays exertions - I wasnt surprised!

For the Palace game I think both CMS and Ash will return and think El Abd will return in place of Dunk.

Struggle to understand the grief re Greer, he has been outstanding and last night stop on the goalline and a couple of clearences on Saturday were outstanding. Leads the team well and will give the ball away on occassion but thats because of the way we play.

Lbseagull and jm spot on. Hope bridge back ,thought painter one game to many but has done a job and not bridge class or wage ! either so must be grateful . We are still headed in the right direction and there were some interesting formation changes tried as the game went on which was good to see ,one of which was Hammond much further forward at times which was good to see as he is just that bit bigger and did unsettle their bigger back line at times . Roll on Saturday.

Jonathan Mouette wrote:
For me it's a no brainer, Hoskins must start alongside CMS with Dobbie providing cover for one or other. The still untried partnership of WH and CMS is going to yield big results, I am sure. And no better place to start than sarf lund'n. Fingers very firmly crossed.

Agree, agree, agree, I'm praying for the WH and CMS partnership..
WH is a much more intelligent player than Barnes.

Have to disagree that it was game over after 20 minutes. Giving up leads is an unfortunate trait of Brighton this season and fans have had a number of very stressful last 10 minutes. Also don't see that Bristol were poor - I actually thought they were one of the better footballing teams to visit the Amex this year, and it was a very clean game. Nice to see the few 100 Bristol fans get a good cheer at the end too unlike the Bolton ones who were a bit more feisty and less appreciated!

I think Gus will use both Macca and Hosko on Saturday, but not both on at the same time.
Orlandi is having more shots on goal, and is getting more accurate (a good bet for Saturday).
Dean Hammond gets his goal at last, but does sometimes get caught in possession, as he used to in his first spell with Albion.
As good a chance for a win at Selhurst Park as we have had in recent times.
UTA

Jonathan Mouette wrote:
For me it's a no brainer, Hoskins must start alongside CMS with Dobbie providing cover for one or other. The still untried partnership of WH and CMS is going to yield big results, I am sure. And no better place to start than sarf lund'n. Fingers very firmly crossed.

Jonathan,
who would you play where, or are you suggesting that Gus should abandon the 4-3-3 come 4-5-1 that he has been playing since the year dot? I do not wish to appear rude and you may be suggesting playing CMS in the deeper role on the left (which i would like to see but think it unlikley, certainly didn't happen in the short time allowed last night). I also do not want to get bogged down in tactics (which frankly can be boring to some...), But as a 'no brainer' and having attended last nights game, i seem to have mislaid my grey matter... ; ).

Jonathan Mouette wrote:
For me it's a no brainer, Hoskins must start alongside CMS with Dobbie providing cover for one or other. The still untried partnership of WH and CMS is going to yield big results, I am sure. And no better place to start than sarf lund'n. Fingers very firmly crossed.

Good Post JM.
Incidently has anyone noticed that Barnes has been sitting on 4 yellow cards since around mid September and whilst I applaud his improved discipline it seems to go hand in hand with a lack of goals.
Generally so far this season the Albion seem to be receiving less bookings than last year which I know is tempting fate bearing in mind who our opponents are on Saturday.

Eddy B wrote:
Have to disagree that it was game over after 20 minutes. Giving up leads is an unfortunate trait of Brighton this season and fans have had a number of very stressful last 10 minutes. Also don't see that Bristol were poor - I actually thought they were one of the better footballing teams to visit the Amex this year, and it was a very clean game. Nice to see the few 100 Bristol fans get a good cheer at the end too unlike the Bolton ones who were a bit more feisty and less appreciated!

Totally agree with you disagreeing, Eddy B. As you rightly say, Bristol City are not a bad football side although their League position obviously says otherwise. They had long bouts of good possession last night and were unlucky not to score twice. This was a potential banana skin for the Albion so well done guys, good 3 points. As others above, would love to see CMS and WH start at Croydon next Saturday! UTA......

This won't go down well in some quarters but here goes.

Taking into account what those that were there told us, reading the reports on the game and having followed the game on text commentary, I think saturday will see Barnes and CMS back for Palace, along with Abd and Bridge if fully fit.

Palace will attack, we know that, and they will probabaly think that the point they got away at Hull should be followed up with three points at home to keep them on track for a top two placing.
For us three points last night and a point at Palace would keep us on track for the playoffs.

In my humble opinion pace and workrate are going to be important in this match for both teams. Both CMS and Barnes both track back and both can break out quickly on the counter. Barnes has been lacking in front of goal but the other areas of his game have been decent.
If not Barnes then Hoskins might get another start but did last night show that Hoskins is better than Barnes, the reports seem not. Dobbie for Barnes, well maybe in front of goal but not defensive wise. David for Barnes, don't see that happening, if that was on the cards he would have played last night and Hoskins would not have.

What ever way you want to cut it for me Barnes is the right player for a battle with Palace, and it will surely be a battle. I think I am right in saying that Barnes is still one yellow away from a match ban, well this could be the match where he takes one for the team.

VegasSeagull wrote:
This won't go down well in some quarters but here goes.

Taking into account what those that were there told us, reading the reports on the game and having followed the game on text commentary, I think saturday will see Barnes and CMS back for Palace, along with Abd and Bridge if fully fit.

Palace will attack, we know that, and they will probabaly think that the point they got away at Hull should be followed up with three points at home to keep them on track for a top two placing.
For us three points last night and a point at Palace would keep us on track for the playoffs.

In my humble opinion pace and workrate are going to be important in this match for both teams. Both CMS and Barnes both track back and both can break out quickly on the counter. Barnes has been lacking in front of goal but the other areas of his game have been decent.
If not Barnes then Hoskins might get another start but did last night show that Hoskins is better than Barnes, the reports seem not. Dobbie for Barnes, well maybe in front of goal but not defensive wise. David for Barnes, don't see that happening, if that was on the cards he would have played last night and Hoskins would not have.

What ever way you want to cut it for me Barnes is the right player for a battle with Palace, and it will surely be a battle. I think I am right in saying that Barnes is still one yellow away from a match ban, well this could be the match where he takes one for the team.

Vegas, sorry pal but sometimes you say a lot without saying much at all. However, this post is spot on imho!

In answer to Fairweather's post questioning tactics (following my earlier post - if you get my thread ha! ha!) I would simply apply the tactic that GP craves. Someone to play off and alongside CMS. We saw more 1st touch knock downs and lay-offs (rare though they were) from Will Hoskins in Tuesday's p1sspoor match to suggest that he is more than capable of doing it. With Buckers and Orlandi creating havoc behind or outwide I find the prospect simply mouthwatering. What I don't understand is the constant use of one or the other and not both... but what do I know. No, please, don't answer that!

In answer to Fairweather's post questioning tactics (following my earlier post - if you get my thread ha! ha!) I would simply apply the tactic that GP craves. Someone to play off and alongside CMS. We saw more 1st touch knock downs and lay-offs (rare though they were) from Will Hoskins in Tuesday's p1sspoor match to suggest that he is more than capable of doing it. With Buckers and Orlandi creating havoc behind or outwide I find the prospect simply mouthwatering. What I don't understand is the constant use of one or the other and not both... but what do I know. No, please, don't answer that!

VegasSeagull wrote:
This won't go down well in some quarters but here goes.

Taking into account what those that were there told us, reading the reports on the game and having followed the game on text commentary, I think saturday will see Barnes and CMS back for Palace, along with Abd and Bridge if fully fit.

Palace will attack, we know that, and they will probabaly think that the point they got away at Hull should be followed up with three points at home to keep them on track for a top two placing.
For us three points last night and a point at Palace would keep us on track for the playoffs.

In my humble opinion pace and workrate are going to be important in this match for both teams. Both CMS and Barnes both track back and both can break out quickly on the counter. Barnes has been lacking in front of goal but the other areas of his game have been decent.
If not Barnes then Hoskins might get another start but did last night show that Hoskins is better than Barnes, the reports seem not. Dobbie for Barnes, well maybe in front of goal but not defensive wise. David for Barnes, don't see that happening, if that was on the cards he would have played last night and Hoskins would not have.

What ever way you want to cut it for me Barnes is the right player for a battle with Palace, and it will surely be a battle. I think I am right in saying that Barnes is still one yellow away from a match ban, well this could be the match where he takes one for the team.

Sorry, but I dont agree that Barnes has been good in other areas. Hoskins is a far more accomplished player as you would see....if you could get to a game.
As for 'pace', do you mean acceleration or speed, please? Most footballers misuse the word because they use lazy language or are not too bright. There is a difference because Peter Ward's great attribute was his acceleration over the first fifteen yards, i.e. early pace, whereas there were far faster players over fifty yards who could catch him on a breakaway. People like Lawrenson for one who had speed. Acceleration in the penalty box was Ward's forte.
Either way I don't think Barnes is blessed with either quality. However, I fear you may be correct in that he will play Barnes instead of Hoskins on Saturday. Gus tends to favour the artisan over the artiste, the prosaic over the creative, lately it seems.

wiltshire seagull wrote:

Eddy B wrote:
Have to disagree that it was game over after 20 minutes. Giving up leads is an unfortunate trait of Brighton this season and fans have had a number of very stressful last 10 minutes. Also don't see that Bristol were poor - I actually thought they were one of the better footballing teams to visit the Amex this year, and it was a very clean game. Nice to see the few 100 Bristol fans get a good cheer at the end too unlike the Bolton ones who were a bit more feisty and less appreciated!

Totally agree with you disagreeing, Eddy B. As you rightly say, Bristol City are not a bad football side although their League position obviously says otherwise. They had long bouts of good possession last night and were unlucky not to score twice. This was a potential banana skin for the Albion so well done guys, good 3 points. As others above, would love to see CMS and WH start at Croydon next Saturday! UTA......

Two very good post's

We have five players decribed as 'strikers' at the club- but only one,
CMS, actually scores with any regularity this season. The cheque book must come out come January and some of the dead wood cleared away.

Claude Back wrote:

VegasSeagull wrote: This won't go down well in some quarters but here goes. Taking into account what those that were there told us, reading the reports on the game and having followed the game on text commentary, I think saturday will see Barnes and CMS back for Palace, along with Abd and Bridge if fully fit. Palace will attack, we know that, and they will probabaly think that the point they got away at Hull should be followed up with three points at home to keep them on track for a top two placing. For us three points last night and a point at Palace would keep us on track for the playoffs. In my humble opinion pace and workrate are going to be important in this match for both teams. Both CMS and Barnes both track back and both can break out quickly on the counter. Barnes has been lacking in front of goal but the other areas of his game have been decent. If not Barnes then Hoskins might get another start but did last night show that Hoskins is better than Barnes, the reports seem not. Dobbie for Barnes, well maybe in front of goal but not defensive wise. David for Barnes, don't see that happening, if that was on the cards he would have played last night and Hoskins would not have. What ever way you want to cut it for me Barnes is the right player for a battle with Palace, and it will surely be a battle. I think I am right in saying that Barnes is still one yellow away from a match ban, well this could be the match where he takes one for the team.

Sorry, but I dont agree that Barnes has been good in other areas. Hoskins is a far more accomplished player as you would see....if you could get to a game. As for 'pace', do you mean acceleration or speed, please? Most footballers misuse the word because they use lazy language or are not too bright. There is a difference because Peter Ward's great attribute was his acceleration over the first fifteen yards, i.e. early pace, whereas there were far faster players over fifty yards who could catch him on a breakaway. People like Lawrenson for one who had speed. Acceleration in the penalty box was Ward's forte. Either way I don't think Barnes is blessed with either quality. However, I fear you may be correct in that he will play Barnes instead of Hoskins on Saturday. Gus tends to favour the artisan over the artiste, the prosaic over the creative, lately it seems.

I recall Peter Ward having deceptive 'pace', a long, loping stride which gave the impression he was moving slowly yet defenders had trouble keeping up with him once he got going. I thought a good number of his goals came from breakaway situations. He was certainly skillful and tricky around the box but I don't remember him being particularly quick in the sprinter style.

pappaK wrote:
Sleeping on it. We were lucky to win ,if city had had half the luck we had another draw could have been on the cards.Greer working with half a brain,perhaps when his other centre back come back,they will have one brain to work with and carry on passing across the line to one another ,then passing back to the goalie.Is it possible for them to create something for the midfield to work on.Brain freeze had set in last night standing around waiting,not tackling,lack of movement and creativity.Compared to the Bolton game we played like S,.,.,.t, but got 3 points,other games we are top draw and can only draw.Sad to see so many leaving 5 - 10 minutes from the end

re: Greer, I and many around me were gettting very frustrated at the Bolton game with the Kuszczak-Greer-Kuszc
zak-Greer-Kuszczak-G
reer-Kuszczak-Greer- interplay I fully understand keeping possession and building moves from the back but it was getting ridiculous! ....the goals that wayyyyy!...the only time they should have done it was the last few minutes and we all know what happened there....
also can anyone also explain the corner taken short in the second half last night and then knocked back over the half way line, there were 6 in the box! why put 6 players in there and start from out own half again?? even Calderon warming up was gesturing over by the corner flag "what the hell was that" to a fellow sub.
looking forward to Bridge back Saturday and another win.

Claude Back.

I agree it would be much eaier to make accurate comments if I could be there but I can't, sadly.

My thoughts are for the next game on not for the season. The Palace game will be hard in the general meaning of the word and in the physical meaning fo the word. Barnes may not be pretty in his play but he will get in where it hurts.
Hoskins might display more artistry but usually games against Palace have very little to do with artistry.

Horses for courses and I happen to think that Barnes is the right horse for this particular course.

VegasSeagull wrote:
This won't go down well in some quarters but here goes.

Taking into account what those that were there told us, reading the reports on the game and having followed the game on text commentary, I think saturday will see Barnes and CMS back for Palace, along with Abd and Bridge if fully fit.

Palace will attack, we know that, and they will probabaly think that the point they got away at Hull should be followed up with three points at home to keep them on track for a top two placing.
For us three points last night and a point at Palace would keep us on track for the playoffs.

In my humble opinion pace and workrate are going to be important in this match for both teams. Both CMS and Barnes both track back and both can break out quickly on the counter. Barnes has been lacking in front of goal but the other areas of his game have been decent.
If not Barnes then Hoskins might get another start but did last night show that Hoskins is better than Barnes, the reports seem not. Dobbie for Barnes, well maybe in front of goal but not defensive wise. David for Barnes, don't see that happening, if that was on the cards he would have played last night and Hoskins would not have.

What ever way you want to cut it for me Barnes is the right player for a battle with Palace, and it will surely be a battle. I think I am right in saying that Barnes is still one yellow away from a match ban, well this could be the match where he takes one for the team.

Whilst I suspect VegasSeagull that you will be proved right and Barnes will get the nod on Saturday, I hope that Poyet keeps faith with Hosko who I thought had an OK game and had some good moments. Hoskins and Barnes are different players and contribute to the team in quite different ways.
In the report above Poyet is quoted with reference to both Hosko and Dobbie as saying "I think they had a good game, nothing spectacular."
Of the two Hosko had more impact and in the Argus he was given the higher rating.
So I agree with Jonathan Mouette that it would be good to see CMS starting with Hoskins.
As I implied in an earlier posting on this thread I think Barnes is being inhibited by having racked up 4 yellow cards and as a result is not performing at his best.

Ballantrrae.

Yep I agree about the yellow card situation but if ever he was going to get that donkey off his back, this is the game to do it.
The threat of a one game suspension lies there untill it happens and then it is done. You know how this game will play out, neither side will want to give an inch, it's a derby game that both will not want to lose. Barnes will scrap and not look pretty but away to Palace, well maybe we will need that.

If we were to put on a display such as that against Wednesday or Bolton then yes, Hoskins would be your man, but do you really think Palace will sit back and let that happen.
This is going to be a dog fight, both teams will want to stiffle the others creativity. If the opposition was someone like Forest or Blackpool then yeah I would go with Hoskins.

Good to get a win under our belts before going to Selhurst. I'm sure Hoskins and Dobbie will get even better with a run of matches. A lot was expected of them last night which put a lot of pressure on them. I hope they get a run of games. Orlandi is now so much more confident than he was in his first match. It comes from having a run in the side. I wonder if Gus would consider starting with Hoskins up front with CMS on the left and Will B on the right in front of Orlandi, Hammond and Bridcutt. go for early goals and then introduce Croft for one of the front three to hold on to a lead. My idea of attack being the best form of defence

Willie, Willie Irvine wrote:

Claude Back wrote:

VegasSeagull wrote: This won't go down well in some quarters but here goes. Taking into account what those that were there told us, reading the reports on the game and having followed the game on text commentary, I think saturday will see Barnes and CMS back for Palace, along with Abd and Bridge if fully fit. Palace will attack, we know that, and they will probabaly think that the point they got away at Hull should be followed up with three points at home to keep them on track for a top two placing. For us three points last night and a point at Palace would keep us on track for the playoffs. In my humble opinion pace and workrate are going to be important in this match for both teams. Both CMS and Barnes both track back and both can break out quickly on the counter. Barnes has been lacking in front of goal but the other areas of his game have been decent. If not Barnes then Hoskins might get another start but did last night show that Hoskins is better than Barnes, the reports seem not. Dobbie for Barnes, well maybe in front of goal but not defensive wise. David for Barnes, don't see that happening, if that was on the cards he would have played last night and Hoskins would not have. What ever way you want to cut it for me Barnes is the right player for a battle with Palace, and it will surely be a battle. I think I am right in saying that Barnes is still one yellow away from a match ban, well this could be the match where he takes one for the team.

Sorry, but I dont agree that Barnes has been good in other areas. Hoskins is a far more accomplished player as you would see....if you could get to a game. As for 'pace', do you mean acceleration or speed, please? Most footballers misuse the word because they use lazy language or are not too bright. There is a difference because Peter Ward's great attribute was his acceleration over the first fifteen yards, i.e. early pace, whereas there were far faster players over fifty yards who could catch him on a breakaway. People like Lawrenson for one who had speed. Acceleration in the penalty box was Ward's forte. Either way I don't think Barnes is blessed with either quality. However, I fear you may be correct in that he will play Barnes instead of Hoskins on Saturday. Gus tends to favour the artisan over the artiste, the prosaic over the creative, lately it seems.

I recall Peter Ward having deceptive 'pace', a long, loping stride which gave the impression he was moving slowly yet defenders had trouble keeping up with him once he got going. I thought a good number of his goals came from breakaway situations. He was certainly skillful and tricky around the box but I don't remember him being particularly quick in the sprinter style.

Willie (named after one of my favourite players - remember that goal on MOTD many years ago that they used as the opening credits?)
Wardy was deceptive but he definitely was better over the first 15 yards than in a 50yard race. Lawrenson and Wardy used to live near me and we used to talk about it. Lawro will confirm it...if you can get him to acknowledge he played for Brighton. These days he seems to ignore his Albion history even though he made is name with us for the Liverpool move.
Btw anyone else having trouble with this site missing out letters when you type?

Claude - I had forgotton that - and a lot else beside..! I think the goal concerned was against Villa. That one (from '72) is available to view on Youtube - with good work from Templeman... I also viewed the Peter Ward goals and he definitely seems to run quicker now!

VegasSeagull wrote:
Ballantrrae.

Yep I agree about the yellow card situation but if ever he was going to get that donkey off his back, this is the game to do it.
The threat of a one game suspension lies there untill it happens and then it is done. You know how this game will play out, neither side will want to give an inch, it's a derby game that both will not want to lose. Barnes will scrap and not look pretty but away to Palace, well maybe we will need that.

If we were to put on a display such as that against Wednesday or Bolton then yes, Hoskins would be your man, but do you really think Palace will sit back and let that happen.
This is going to be a dog fight, both teams will want to stiffle the others creativity. If the opposition was someone like Forest or Blackpool then yeah I would go with Hoskins.

Your points noted Vegas Seagull.
It wouldn't entirely surprise me if Poyet decided on Saturday to start with Barnes and Hoskins with CMS coming off the bench with 30 minutes to go again. The most likely pairing however is CMS and Barnes.