Poyet to stick with CMS (From The Argus)

Excellent news. Looking forward to seeing CMS and Buckley wide of Vokes with creativity at the heart of the midfield to pull the strings. If Vicente really is fit then he's a shoe-in with either Caskey, Reyes or Dicker (when fit) alongside him. 4-1-4-1. Come on Gus!

What a statistic for a striker - one goal in 22 games! You have to feel for the lad. His frustration is becoming more evident, probably as much with himself as the lack of chances provided by his team mates. However, he was put in a great position bang in front of goal during the first half against Leicester and failed to even connect - the sort of stuff he'd normally expect to take in his sleep. The choice for the manager is stick with him or drop him, and Gus obviously prefers to go with the first option. There is a counter argument that it could be kinder to give him a rest and see what some one else can do. I do hope it comes right for him soon, the club certainly needs more goals in the bank.

The recent chance at Leicester aside, if CMS is to refind his goalscoring touch, we would need to change the way we play. Whilst I'm delighted with the league position and love the way we play, it isn't suiting him. Can't see our style of play changing, so think his season is going to be one of personal frustration. He needs passes to run on to, and/or more wing play with crosses coming in, neither of which happen much. For the good of the team, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. But we may have an unhappy record signing by the end of the season. Now I've said that, he'll bang in a hatrick on saturday!

If we're gonna pack the midfield with workhorses (whose commitment and work rate I wouldn't criticise for a minute) then by all means rest CMS - he gets woeful service from them. But if Vicente and Caskey (or Reyes) are starting in midfield Saturday then it's CMS for me every time.

Willie, Willie Irvine wrote:
What a statistic for a striker - one goal in 22 games! You have to feel for the lad. His frustration is becoming more evident, probably as much with himself as the lack of chances provided by his team mates. However, he was put in a great position bang in front of goal during the first half against Leicester and failed to even connect - the sort of stuff he'd normally expect to take in his sleep. The choice for the manager is stick with him or drop him, and Gus obviously prefers to go with the first option. There is a counter argument that it could be kinder to give him a rest and see what some one else can do. I do hope it comes right for him soon, the club certainly needs more goals in the bank.

This posting sums it up for me. Great asset to the club - sets a wonderful example in terms of effort and fair play and I'm sure the goals will come. Had been pondering the counter argument and do wonder if a rest (meaning he comes off the bench as an impact sub for a game) might be the answer. I certainly would not want him to miss action at Anfield and overall one has to say that this manager knows what he is doing.

I thought that the main reason for bringing in Vokes was to assist CMS, and to supply him with the knock ons and hold up play that he can feed off. No wonder the guy is finding it difficult to hit the net at present, because his workload is such, he is almost carrying out the workrate of two players.
There was only a five minute period when both strikers were involved together against Leicester, but even in that short time you could see that Vokes was seeking out his partner with a deft flicked header that only just failed to lead to put CMS through on goal.
Sharing the striking duties is something Albion need right now, and with Barnesy now involved in his striking midfield role, then surely Vokes and CMS are the answer to take the game to the opposition.

CMS needs a bit of luck once he scores he will keep on.We need to play more through the middle and the midfield needs to sharpen up.

PittaPatta wrote:
I thought that the main reason for bringing in Vokes was to assist CMS, and to supply him with the knock ons and hold up play that he can feed off. No wonder the guy is finding it difficult to hit the net at present, because his workload is such, he is almost carrying out the workrate of two players.
There was only a five minute period when both strikers were involved together against Leicester, but even in that short time you could see that Vokes was seeking out his partner with a deft flicked header that only just failed to lead to put CMS through on goal.
Sharing the striking duties is something Albion need right now, and with Barnesy now involved in his striking midfield role, then surely Vokes and CMS are the answer to take the game to the opposition.

As you say PP, that little 5 minute period showed the possibility of a great partnership. I can't believe Gus wont play them together? CMS is pure quality with a fantastic work rate & although he has looked properly brassed off on occasions (Peterborough), once he scores he'll be unstoppable....... :0)

Every match I have seen this season CMS has his back facing to goal and up against 6ft plus defenders,we continually play high balls up to him which he has no chance of winning.This has been the tactics most of the season,whether we win or lose,it is obvious that he needs a taller presence up front to play off and he needs to be running onto flicks and touches and attacking defenders.Cannot complain about the season as a whole but really cannot understand the philosophy behind this tactic.Clearly not working up front and CMS looked pretty fed up when he made his way to the bench Saturday.Hopefully Vokes will play in tandem with him and in close proximity.

It's not just about scoring goals as far as he concerned, it is about his work rate, he makes defenders pass quickly not giving time on the ball, he pulls players away to create an opening for others, to be honest I don't care if he does not score a goal as long as he keeps doing what his doing putting the s--t up defenders every time they see him with the ball. So far we have not lost a game in 2012 and that just shows he does not need to be on the score sheet as long as someone else is. IMO

I am a CMS fan with his workrate his luck will change and he will be banging them in again very soon.

CMS will always be a starter or he will leave so not sure I get the point of this article. Whilst he was an expensive buy he has been a lot better value than other strikers out there.
He is a game changer and I would have him on the pitch for work rate alone, trying to pick up dodgy passes from Navarro is never going to be an easy task!

Rhodes Seagull wrote:
It's not just about scoring goals as far as he concerned, it is about his work rate, he makes defenders pass quickly not giving time on the ball, he pulls players away to create an opening for others, to be honest I don't care if he does not score a goal as long as he keeps doing what his doing putting the s--t up defenders every time they see him with the ball. So far we have not lost a game in 2012 and that just shows he does not need to be on the score sheet as long as someone else is. IMO

Totally agree. CMS remains a vital element in the Albion's setup.

With a 5th round Cup tie against Liverpool in the offing, I believe there are many parallels to be drawn between the current squad and the 1983 team and the unforgettable Cup Final against Man U.

That season we knocked out Newcastle in the 3rd round and mighty Liverpool at Anfield in the 5th. And watching the final on video for the umpteenth time it is fascinating to see how similar CMS's game is to that of Michael Robinson 30 years ago. Both tireless, never-say-die centre forwards, often feeding on scraps but always prepared to chase seemingly lost causes. MR didn't score that day but did he keep Robson & Co at full stretch throughout the match. Atta boy Craig!

Another thought. The Albion's close-passing game of 2012 is not so different to that of 1983 with a methodical and often slow build-up from the back very much in evidence. Then too we had the likes of Grealish and Case breaking up attacks and releasing passes in the Bridcut/Greer mould. . Dunk now controls the middle in much the same way as Gary Stevens did then (incidentally the best player on the field that day) and could well develop into a worthy successor once he adds an attacking element to his game. Neil Smillie, forgotten hero, also had a great match; now we have both Noone and Buckley similarly prepared to attack a defence and chase back to defend when the need arises. Maybe we could do with a present-day Gatting to complete the picture. But on the other hand we now have the incomparable Vicente who given the opportunity will doubtless give the opposition a harrowing time from.

Of course, there the comparison finishes. Unlike today, the management structure was in disarray and the Albion of '83 was probably in decline - although had they managed to stave off relegation that year, and had Smithy chipped that final ball over Gary Bailey instead of shooting straight at him, who knows where they would have finished up.

One final reflection. Judging by today's interpretation of the rules regarding two-footed tackling, Jimmy Case and Co would probably not have seen out the first half. But the strange thing is that in 120 minutes of all-action,no-holds-
barred play by both sides, only one player, Chris Ramsey was injured and had to leave the field that day. And while I'm all for protecting players from exposure to destructive and excessive force, I do wonder if the recent spate of bookings and sendings-off by officials at the Amex for relatively minor infringements doesn't encourage cheating by players feigning serious injury, and thus make something of a mockery of today's game.

Would love to see the creativity of Jake and Vicente playing in midfield with Bridcutt holding role and Buckers out wide , with CMS upfront and Vokes playing just off him ... With Nooney and Lua Lua on the bench , now that is a mouth watering prospect ... GG

I am a big CMS fan. Whether he scores goals or not he makes a huge difference on the field. He puts the most work in and makes the opposition make mistakes by running at them like a headless chicken! His luck will turn with just 1 goal and I'm sure he'll get that goal very soon.

Stoneham Park wrote:
I am a big CMS fan. Whether he scores goals or not he makes a huge difference on the field. He puts the most work in and makes the opposition make mistakes by running at them like a headless chicken! His luck will turn with just 1 goal and I'm sure he'll get that goal very soon.

Entirely agree; CMS terrifies goalkeepers and is constantly on the move, drawing defenders and freeing up team mates.

I agree with everything on here, unless I missed something negative on the scroll through.

Sacre Bleu

Good post rolling back the years and an interesting comparison between CMS and Michael Robinson. I can see the similarities and I think once CMS regains his confidence - and plays in a system that suits his style of play - he will return to being the prolific goalscorer we signed from Peterborough. I think the biggest difference between the 83 team and now is that we don't have any midfield players that can be mentioned in the same breath as Jimmy Case and Tony Grealish, although I'm hoping Forster-Caskey will prove to be better in the long-term than Gary Howlett. My memory must be fading because I didn't realise until I looked it up that Gerry Ryan was sub for both those games.

It's no co-incidence that CMS's goal drought started when Gus had to withdraw the second striker (Barnes) into a midfield role when we started to ship goals (i.e. Leeds, Palace, Ipswich). That tactic has worked well in terms of most games have been tight, and we have managed to secure many victories by hitting on the break. I can't see why Gus would abandon this successful formation and agree with those who see CMS's overall contribution as vital. While CMS was at Peterborough, the emphasis was on all-out attack. Although this gave CMS many goal scoring opportunities, it also meant Posh conceded plenty. Not a style favoured by Gus! However, I do think the search for a Premiership midfielder is so that Gus can attempt to return to the early season formation and then pair CMS & Vokes. His ability to do this will depend on getting the quality of player in that won't leave the gaps that were evident in those Leeds/Palace games. With all due respect to Vicente, he does not have the legs to do this role on a full time basis, and nor does JFC have the experience or physical presence to do it. So my guess is that Gus is telling CMS to bide his time until this midfielder arrives. It will be frustrating for CMS but he will have to continue to sacrifice personal glory for the good of the team. I am sure he is willing to do this but, long term, he is a goalscorer and will want assurances that the team style will change to more accommodate his strengths.

Gazza by the sea wrote:
If we're gonna pack the midfield with workhorses (whose commitment and work rate I wouldn't criticise for a minute) then by all means rest CMS - he gets woeful service from them. But if Vicente and Caskey (or Reyes) are starting in midfield Saturday then it's CMS for me every time.

spot on

bruce beckett wrote:
Sacre Bleu

Good post rolling back the years and an interesting comparison between CMS and Michael Robinson. I can see the similarities and I think once CMS regains his confidence - and plays in a system that suits his style of play - he will return to being the prolific goalscorer we signed from Peterborough. I think the biggest difference between the 83 team and now is that we don't have any midfield players that can be mentioned in the same breath as Jimmy Case and Tony Grealish, although I'm hoping Forster-Caskey will prove to be better in the long-term than Gary Howlett. My memory must be fading because I didn't realise until I looked it up that Gerry Ryan was sub for both those games.

Agree with much of that Bruce, particularly your comment re JC-F. I'm afraid Case would not last long with today's referees. Ditto the likes of Stiles, Bremner etc.

One other big difference between then and now is the phenomenon of agents peddling their client’s credentials on the back of fat commissions. OK players were horribly exploited in the dim and distant past, but now the pendulum has swung too far the other way in my opinion, or at least distorted the relationship between club and player. So that when we read of GB's evident relief at being informed of Cardiff's failure to lure Noone away (a player under contract to boot), it does make one wonder who actually is in charge. Maybe one answer would be to encourage senior players to take a stake in their club in the form of shares or other form of investment which carry voting rights. Anything that puts a spoke in the present transfer merry-go-round and helps to foster allegiance must surely be worth considering.

Neville wrote:
Every match I have seen this season CMS has his back facing to goal and up against 6ft plus defenders,we continually play high balls up to him which he has no chance of winning.This has been the tactics most of the season,whether we win or lose,it is obvious that he needs a taller presence up front to play off and he needs to be running onto flicks and touches and attacking defenders.Cannot complain about the season as a whole but really cannot understand the philosophy behind this tactic.Clearly not working up front and CMS looked pretty fed up when he made his way to the bench Saturday.Hopefully Vokes will play in tandem with him and in close proximity.

also spot on

Wouldn't it be simpler for CMS to adjust to the way we play rather than the other way around? He's played pretty much every game this season and he's been involved in all the training sessions (bar the odd knock and eye injury) so it is natural to wonder WHY he isn't scoring. If something doesn't work for me, I change my approach until it does. Less huff and puff, and more brain power please Craig.

Ringmer Rich wrote:

Gazza by the sea wrote: If we're gonna pack the midfield with workhorses (whose commitment and work rate I wouldn't criticise for a minute) then by all means rest CMS - he gets woeful service from them. But if Vicente and Caskey (or Reyes) are starting in midfield Saturday then it's CMS for me every time.

spot on

The problem Brighton have had all season is the absence of midfield players who have the ability to play quick, incisive balls through to the forwards (and I don't just mean ball to feet) but balls played into the spaces where forwards with speed can run onto them (an example was a recent goal scored by Gareth Bale from a curling ball into space by Modric - which was played inside the defenders, enabling Bale to sneak through for an open goal. It was a chance out of nothing, but was created by vision and speed of thought and executed by a forward with the acceleration to leave the defenders for dead). I would say that only midfielders like Vicente have that sort of ability.

It's frustrating for Macca, and he must be regretting not signing for a Premiership club, where the midfield players are likely to spot his runs. Unfortunately Albion's midfielders are not clever enough, and tend to take the soft option of passing (to feet) out to the wings, or backwards.

Macca is a class act, and he has a sharp brain. On Saturday his frustration with our midfield players was plain to see, and I saw him throw his arms up in frustration, when Navarro? failed to spot him in space.

I couldn't see the point in Gus taking him off and replacing him with Vokes. He should have been there with him, to develop a striking partnership - which is the other thing Brighton have lacked for most of the season.

It's time Gus started to address this, because we have the players to give teams a real beating. A midfield of Buckley, Bridcutt, Vicente and Lua Lua with instructions to link up with, or play to the strikers Macca & Vokes/Barnes would be exciting. Sparrow would also be in the mix, but he is now missing for 3 games.

We can't keep winning games with last minute goals, and we need to create the chances for Macca to score.
The attacking subsitutions worked on Saturday, and as soon as Vicente came on, the spaces started to really open up, and we could have scored 2/3 goals in the last 5 minutes. Unfortunately Macca wasn't on the field to capitalise on this.

Neville wrote:
Every match I have seen this season CMS has his back facing to goal and up against 6ft plus defenders,we continually play high balls up to him which he has no chance of winning.This has been the tactics most of the season,whether we win or lose,it is obvious that he needs a taller presence up front to play off and he needs to be running onto flicks and touches and attacking defenders.Cannot complain about the season as a whole but really cannot understand the philosophy behind this tactic.Clearly not working up front and CMS looked pretty fed up when he made his way to the bench Saturday.Hopefully Vokes will play in tandem with him and in close proximity.

Spot on post. CMS is a channels man and needs balls played fast in to them for him to use his pace and skill. Anyone who can score a goal like his first one against Leeds is worth a place. We must play to his strengths to get a return on the investment and see him grow as a player.

Totally irrelevant but Stains lose 3-2 to Millwall and even better, in front of a measely 8500 crowd!! Brilliant!!!!!!

namgo49 wrote:
Totally irrelevant but Stains lose 3-2 to Millwall and even better, in front of a measely 8500 crowd!! Brilliant!!!!!!

And only 7,000 were Stains supporters.

Big club though, honest guv !

I think we had 19,000 versus Wrexham in the cup didn't we ? Small club we are though !