CITY 1 BRIGHTON 0
I admit that I thought a draw was the best we would get out of this match. The stuttering start to the season had certainly lowered my expectations rapidly. However, the ridiculous rumblings already about Sven’s position showed that patience was wearing thin with others too.
Team selection did not inspire. It was surprising that we appeared to select a host of central midfield players to play in a diamond formation. At least King was in from the start but it was surprising that Dyers pace was left on the bench. Most surprisingly Abe was asked to play on right midfield. The consequence was that Abe continued to drift into midfield and Brighton all too often had men free to construct their moves from their left.
An early headed chance from a cross from the left fell to Mackail-Smith who headed straight at Schmeichel. It was a good chance missed.
City though started to get into the game more and more without creating clear cut chances. Beckford had some tricks up his sleeve and always looked to go forward and put pressure on the defence.
Peltier showed up really well and supported the attack with good interplay and crosses from the right. The revelation was Vassell, who continually moved into space, stretching the defence and linking play. City should have been 1-0 up in the first half when, from a Vassell pass, Peltier passed into the goal. Unfortunately the ref had too quickly blown for a foul on Vassell instead of waving play on and the goal was disallowed.
The disappointment of the first half was Matt Mills. I am beginning to think he is colour blind. Why is he unable to pass to a man in a City shirt? All too often City’s moves broke down with his attempted pass accompanied to groans from the crowd.
He also was caught out for pace by Mackail-Smith. Thankfully Bamba snuffed out quite a few threatening chances when he was the last man.
Brighton looked threatening and attacked confidently and quickly as a unit. Ankergren refused to kick long and constructed always from the back. On one occasion he waited an age before he was convinced there was a pass on. Half time came. 0-0 and it was close to call with City just edging it.
City came out with a renewed energy. They had figured out the Brighton goalie and cut off his passes to defenders. He was forced to kick long and City gained possession much more. And then – a peach of a goal….
After good wing play and superb cross from left from Vassell Abe came from nowhere and scored with a bullet header in the centre 1-0. Sven’s cunning master plan was working!
Soon after Mackail-Smith missed a sitter from a volley a few yards out and apart from a Harley shot blocked from Mills, Brighton had no more chances although they continued to press.
Mills noticeably improved, with good headers and tackles. City grew in confidence during the second half, interpassing quickly with much more mobility. King was back to his best looking threatening and breaking forward. Beckford was frequently brought down when running at speed at the defence.
There had been an accumulation of bookings over the match, although it was never a dirty match. It was no surprise that, with three Brighton defenders in the book, Painter was sent off after a handball and a second yellow card. Although Brighton never gave up City won the match without too much anxiety.
This was much more like it from City and the best performance for ages. The crowd responded well and there was a feel good factor around the ground again.
There were many good performances, particularly Vassell, Abe, and Bamba. We have started to look like a team rather than a collection of individuals. Perhaps we have now found our best team who can only improve together. There are now three tricky away matches to come. It could be very interesting before the next home match against Derby….
City: Schmeichel; Peltier (Pantsil 69), Mills, Bamba, Konchesky, Abe, Wellens, King, Fernandes, Vassell, Beckford (Schlupp 90+3). Subs not used: Dyer, Weale, Danns.
Goals: Abe 46 Booked: Mills, King, Fernandes, Vassell
Brighton: Ankergren; Calderon, Dunk, Greer, Painter, Noone (Buckley 60), Bridcutt, Dicker (Navarro 68), Harley (LuaLua 68), Mackail-Smith, Barnes. Subs not used: Brezovan, Vincelot.
Booked: Dunk, Painter, Harley, Dicker. Sent off: Painter 79
Attendance: 24,128 (2,030 away) Referee: Graham Scott (Oxfordshire)
The views expressed in this report are the opinions of the Trust member nominated to file the report only and do not represent the views of the Foxes Trust organisation