An Away Move

This is why I think the club have a very poor strategy. I’m pretty certain he was made to feel part of first team plans under Maresca and before Cooper came in, and most likely turned down loan moves. Then El Khannous, Cordova Reid, Ayew were signed alongside Buonanotte on loan - all of whom play in Alves’ positions and have started ahead of him. What does that tell him about how the club value him as a player and his development? I suspect he’ll now choose to go off on loan in Jan. It wouldn’t surprise me if he chose to leave on a Bosman once his contract is up, especially if we’re relegated and struggle to return first time. I think he’s probably learned that he might not be able to trust the club to put his interests first. Stupid really, because he’s a very bright talent with big sale value potentially.

4:0 Liverpool.

The table does not lie. Would not surprise me one bit if the season ended with this bottom three.

You could argue that Justin was at fault for the goal more than Ward was. Also that he was unlucky when the third hit the post and went in. What you can’t argue with though is that the fan base has had it with Ward. Getting loudly booed by the fans and ironic cheers for making basic saves should spell the end of his team involvement.

Shall we talk about our new 37? - probably our most exciting prospect for years. Told by the club he was part of the first time plans then the club buys Cordova-Reid and Ayew who play in his position on the wing alongside two new 19 year olds (one on loan) who are also now in front of him. BcD and Ayew are short term squad fillers due to age. Buonanotte being nicely developed for Brighton. Alves should be being developed - even from a purely financial perspective. He could be worth a lot if he delivers on his promise and potential. I believe the current trajectory is that he’ll find a loan, do well, and potentially leave because he’s learned he can’t trust this club to best serve his interests. He could be a real asset on the pitch and to the club’s bottom line.

He hasn’t. We’ve mostly played with one up top whose job was to hold up the ball and release wingers or others from deep. We’ve never played Daka in a counter attack like we used to spring on the opponent in 15/16. He’d have thrived if we had. His pace as a weapon has very rarely been utilised as it was last night.

It’s never been the case that Daka is shit. He’s just never had a manager that played him or a system to his strengths. Off the shoulder and on the counter he can be frighteningly good. We got a glimpse last night. So pleasing to see.

This is what happens when you play creative attacking footballers. Get Alves on the bench to run at defenders when one of BEK or Buonanotte gets subbed.

Let’s see.

Cooper would have defended for 70 minutes. We rode our luck but we tried to win. It makes a huge difference. Subbing Vardy on 60m for Daka was a brave call. So glad it paid off and hope the latter can FINALLY become the player we hoped he would be when we bought him. I would love to see it, along with the renaissance of Soumaré.

Huge win! Daka will finally come good under Ruud.

Me too. I even bought a Zambian flag. Only threw it away last week!

Daka. I told you! Ruud understands him!

3:0. Even BCR scored!

I’m hoping Daka might come good under RvN. He’ll know how to play to a striker’s strengths. Anyway, ever the optimist! 🤣

I thought exactly the same!

Pace on the counter for no pace. Ruud gets it.

Brave subs. I like it.

💯 His inclusion in the open bus parade and pre-season publicity was designed to make him feel part of the first team. It’s why he didn’t go out on loan. Then Cooper and the focus on experience no matter what else.

I know you’re right but purely based on your FoxesTalk name I want to ask you if this is true or whether it’s something you’ve just pulled out your arse?

People seem to have forget that Brighton didn’t score many goals under Potter in his first couple of seasons and they were pretty boring to watch. It only clicked towards the end of his tenure but some of that may have been about recruitment. They improved under De Zerbi too. I think I’d prefer Moyes personally. Who the squad respond to best is key though.

Great! The club have evidently learned from hanging on to the last manager for too long. Wasn’t expecting that.

Cooper’s hyperfocus on experience, no matter how badly those experienced players play is very irritating. Especially Wilf in the 10 position. He was pretty garbage today. You’re not telling me that Alves wouldn’t have been more dangerous in that position today. Even for 20 mins. When Wilf shanked that shot which most 10s would have buried it said it all.

He played well but is wasted so far back in front of the defence. His strength is in driving the ball forwards, shielding when in possession (or downright bulldozing opponents) and releasing the ball forwards. Glad the majority can see his potential now.

No more Saturday games at home kicking off at 3pm - I should have said.