BHA 8th May

[Cornish Steve]

Tactics really paid off against a Brighton team shell-shocked by the opening goal and complacent for the rest of the first half. The real challenge was keeping them out in the second half, which we did until a rather fluke goal. These tactics won't work against City, though, and I hope/expect to see a different game plan against them.

So many players did well yesterday, with McNeil being outstanding. His energy levels were amazing as he contributed in both halves of the field. Doucoure was another powerful contributor, and his volley was superb (although being unmarked took away the pressure, maybe). DC-L drew players away, opened up spaces, and was generally a thorn in the side of Brighton's defence. isn't it nice to see our attacking players with their heads up and looking? That's what our first two goals were all about. Often overlooked of late, Iwobi also had a wonderful game in both halves of the field, quite often the one leading fast breaks out of defence. Both Gana and Garner were so solid with their passing and the latter deserved a goal at the end of the first half. Pickford saved a couple of goals, but our defence in general deserves applause. Tarkowski and Mina were dominant in the centre; Patterson slotted in as if he'd never been away. While Mykolenko was pressured extensively by March, he did OK - especially with McNeil dropping back to help. Indeed, that was one of the nicest things to watch: how Patterson and Iwobi linked up, and so did Mykolenko and McNeil. Not only was it a real team performance, but it was also a balanced performance and an absolute pleasure to watch.

[Formby]

Stunning performance, with no little skill. Hopefully it carries over to the City game. 

[Cornish Steve]

I don't believe I've seen before a player being booked a good ten minutes before he comes on as a sub. Can someone please explain to me what exactly happened and why the booking was justified?

[RuffRob]

1 hour ago, Formby said:

Stunning performance, with no little skill. Hopefully it carries over to the City game. 

Given the possession both teams have I would think playing Man City the immediate week after playing BHA is as good as time as any -  Everton will have have already had a week preparing to defend without the ball and play effective counter attacking football - so just more of the same in training this week.

City have two massive fixtures either side of our game, probably there biggest and most important games of the season. 

Goodison will be rocking after last nights results and the renewed hope that it brings.

I would much rather have some middle of the table nothing to play for team to play, but as it has to be City - then we are going in to this game on the back of the best performance in some time and potentially when City's focus my be elsewhere. 

Anything out of the City game would be a massive bonus. 

[Gwlad]

2 hours ago, Cornish Steve said:

    isn't it nice to see our attacking players with their heads up and looking? That's what our first two goals were all about. 

That is a single thing I've noticed since Dyche and Co have come in. The headless chickens have had their necks wrung.

[Matt]

 

 

[Matt]

 

 

[Matt]

https://youtu.be/naryWrx4spY

Extended highlights