Albion assessed

There were extraordinary similarities between our game and Fulham’s. Both ended 3-2, all six goals came from wonderful strikes from outside the box and both  teams after dominating play were hanging in and on at the end.

This was Brighton’s best game of the season and without Lewis Dunk too. Although we finally managed to show some cutting edge the game was won and lost in midfield where Rohan Ince and Teixeira dominated. Rohan started every game last season when we manage the play-offs so it was quite a mystery that he did not feature under Hyppia. He breaks up play, has a good engine and a reliable if not defence splitting pass. Teixeira has been more of an enigma. We know the skill is there but after a promising start he went missing this season. He scored two beauties last night, one after a mazy dribble. The Albion deserved their win but you never overcome a Mick MacArthy side easily. They missed MacGoldrick who could have tested Greer more. Greer has been fundamental to our success this past two seasons so it gives me little pleasure to say he has slowed up alarmingly  and gives away too much space. I hope Chris retains Aaron Hughes for Arsenal’s visit. It’s never easy to drop your skipper though.

I spoke to Alan Tanner after the game. He was mightily relieved. He could not recall a hat-trick of better strikes than that of Ross McCormack, who has taken his tally to 10. The 5-3 defeat at Forest marked the end of Magath, so will this be the final game of Stuart Pearce? Fulham like ourselves have some problem in defending a lead and Forest had a clear chance to level. Alan is hopeful that with the return of Amorebieta and Hoogland the defence will be tighter and reinforced in the transfer window too.

This was the best atmosphere so far this season. I have never seen so many smiles in the Overline Lounge post match. We feel we have turned a corner and with Chris at the wheel we can motor from the danger area.