Derby V Brighton

[Rammy]

The return of me predicting a defeat every single week? Maybe.

Derby 0-2 Brighton

 

[91SPP]

Carson
Christie Keogh Shackell Forsyth
Blackman Hendrick Hughes Russell
Ince
Bent
SUBS: Grant, Lowe, Pearce, Johnson, Bryson, Weimann, Martin
​

I know it will be a tight game, but I have no idea who'll come out on top.

2-1 - Bent and Ince.

 

[Luke_1884]

Same as last season, score draw. Looking forward to watching the scores roll in on Saturday, not quite as good as attending but it'll have to do for now.

I'll go for 1-1, Bent penalty for us.

 

[Costello]

As it stands Bruno is filling in at centre half, which concerns me. We'll probably get bullied in the air (if Pearson does his homework).

Also annoyed I can't make it tomorrow. Draw will do me just fine.

 

[Mansfield_Ram]

0-0 bore draw

 

[Costello]

^ good shout.

Sounded like we created a decent number of chances though and could (possibly should) have won it. But encouraging way to start the season nonetheless.

Draw a fair result for those who went? Seemed we had to ride out a couple of early scares as Derby came out the blocks quickly but Dunk and the rest of the defence were pretty comfortable from then on.

 

[Costello]

Also, what was up with Hughes not starting? Assumed he must've been injured until I saw he came off the bench. Bizarre as he's been a real thorn in our side on numerous occasions (including as recently as May). Martin too, but I'm guessing Pearson thinks certain players will suit his system better than others.

 

[Mansfield_Ram]

We started bright for the first five minutes but felt Brighton were the better team afterwards. Some real scares with scrambles from set pieces.

Brighton a bit more direct than expected but with Murray up top he did well against both Shackall and keogh. Bent should have scored early on mind and Ince missed a good chance.

Formation bizarre and we didn't start playing with any fluidity until Hughes, Martin and Butterfield came on. Finished the game with four central midfielders all playing across the middle four.

Hughes not starting was bloody bizarre. The most talented player in the squad and also the best tackler in the midfield. He turned the game in our favour when he came on but utilising him on the left of the midfield just meant that he wasn't as influential as he could or should be.

Most of Brightons good play came down their left against Christie who struggled.

Overall I'm massively disappointed. Pearson is a stubborn man who sticks to his principles. I worry he is trying to get the team to play that will take a season to adapt - Hendrick and Bryson can't play in a midfield 2. We all know that.

Football seems back too early to me after the euros. Seems strange.

 

[91SPP]

We're an okay side that is currently utilising a formation that doesn't suit the players at the club, therefore making us look poor.

Pearson putting Hughes on the bench should be punishable by death.