Brighton were forced to settle for a point at the Amex as Ipswich held on to a 0-0 draw, here are five things we learned:
Embed from Getty ImagesBrighton weren’t clinical enough
Coming into the match, many expected Brighton to continue their fine start under Fabian Hurzeler. A win against Everton and Man United, alongside a good point against Arsenal saw Hurzeler win the manager of the month award for August.
With Ipswich coming to the Amex, it should have been a routine win against a newly promoted and far weaker side. However, after 21 shot attempts and three big chances missed, Brighton were forced to settle for a point in a 0-0 stalemate. With Joao Pedro out of the squad, they lacked a ruthlessness in front of goal to help them to victory.
Embed from Getty ImagesMuric became prime Manuel Neuer
Although there were plenty of chances Brighton should have put away, Muric was incredible between the sticks and very commanding in his 18-yard box. He made six saves, three high claims, three punches and prevented 2.45 goals.
The Ipswich keeper’s biggest highlight was his incredible double save, Brighton’s Georginio Rutter’s strike was parried away by Muric but fell straight to the feet of Kaoru Mitoma who seemed destined to break the deadlock. Muric however defied the odds and denied Mitoma the breakthrough, earning his side a valuable point.
Embed from Getty ImagesFerdi Kadioglu’s had an interesting debut
After joining Brighton in the summer for £35 million from Turkish side Fenerbahce, expectations were high for Kadioglu in blue and white. When the fourth official held up the substitution board in the 68th minute, the fans were hoping for a masterclass from left-back, instead they got a mixed performance, marked by an error than almost lead to Ipswich scoring.
Kadioglu had 27 touches, created two chances and made three passes into the final third; but he also lost possession five times and made a costly error from Brighton’s corner, Bart Verbruggen fortunately spared his blushes.
Brighton’s midfield duo showed promise
With players such as Matt O’Riley, Mats Wieffer and James Milner all injured, the door opened for Brighton fans to see a new midfield partnership between Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari. This duo was one positive to take from an otherwise very disappointing match.
Carlos Baleba is showing great signs of potential with his incredible range of key attributes such as his pace, strength and technical ability, making him a tricky force to beat in the midfield. Ayari was one of Brighton’s key creators in the game, trying to make something happen from all areas and pressing intensely for the full 90. They are two players with big futures ahead of them.
Embed from Getty ImagesBrighton remain unbeaten under Hurzeler
For all you ‘cup half full’ readers, Brighton remain unbeaten under Fabian Hurzeler. Yes, the Albion should have come away with three points but it wasn’t to be on the day and on the bright side, Ipswich didn’t nick a winner. Brighton are in sixth with eight points above the likes of Tottenham, Man United and Chelsea.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Isabelle Newnham
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