In theory playing on a Friday night gave me the entire weekend to write this review. Truth be told though, it’s taken until today (Monday) for me to recover enough from the 5-0 drubbing by Arsenal to get it done. Needless to say this probably won’t be a positive read for Albion fans, but I think we do need a dose of perspective in amongst the obvious disappointment.

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You can read the full match report courtesy of Bruce Talbot on the BHAFC website HERE, and if you’d like to watch the highlights (through your fingers) you can head over to the official BHAFC YouTube channel HERE.

The SheGulls Summary

Brighton & Hove Albion

• I said last week against Leicester that everyone played well and I couldn’t find anything specific to be critical of. Well, it was essentially the opposite this week. I think in part that was because Arsenal were due to thump someone and we just got in the way, but also that we didn’t really have an answer to the problems they posed us. A perfect storm perhaps. If you’re an Arsenal fan anyway.
• The first three goals can be attributed to the Gunners playing between the lines, running into space and making the most of their opportunities. Goals from Beth Mead and Frida Leonhardsen Maanum came from excellent finishes, but from shots they shouldn’t really have been allowed to have, and Caitlin Foord’s goal was a well worked move that the Albion were powerless to stop.
• The fourth goal came from an inswinging corner which Lena Hurtig, often the tallest player on the pitch, headed across goal and towards the back post. Guro Bergsvand desperately tried to clear it off the line, but only succeeded in flicking the ball further into the net. There was a question as to whether it was an own goal, but I think Hurtig deserved it, and Bergsvand doesn’t need (or I’m sure want) another OG on her record.
• The fifth and final tally of the night came from a penalty which Alessia Russo despatched with aplomb. The decision itself was one of those. Difficult to argue much with, but given how the game had been officiated up until then – a little harsh. Jorelyn Carabali does have a little tug on Stina Blackstenius’ shirt, but many of those had gone unpunished throughout the game, particularly if it was a player in red on a player in yellow.
• As I say I don’t think it’s worth drilling down into specific performances as I’m sure the team and indeed the squad know that the performance just wasn’t up to scratch, especially given how we’ve progressed this season.
• Stats-wise the possession and passing elements of the game were fairly comparable. We didn’t lose because we didn’t have the ball or move it around, we lost the game simply because they created a lot more chances, and ultimately were ruthless with them.
• I saw the narrative on social media that Brighton is a “really poor” team out of possession and that they won’t “push on unless they sort it” – that journalist knows who they are. Well if conceding 4 goals in the first 6 games of a season, sat in 3rd place after 7 games, with our only losses coming against Manchester City and Arsenal constitutes that scathing an assessment – I’d hate to hear what they think about teams like Leicester or Everton!
• We have to keep things in perspective as fans – was this a heavy defeat, yes, was it to one of the best outfits in the league, with a far bigger budget, away from home on a Friday night we didn’t ask for – also yes. To me this is a blip, plain and simple. A bad performance against an excellent team – no matter who tells you Arsenal aren’t that good any more. Let’s see what happens against West Ham at the Amex on Saturday before we start questioning anything about what we’ve seen from the Albion so far.
• Maria Thorisdottir was forced off early in the second half with what seemed like a lower leg or knee injury. Hopefully just a knock and nothing too serious. Aisha Masaka came on late in the game and in the process of attempting to score she fell and clearly dislocated her shoulder. We wish both of them a speedy recovery!

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Arsenal

• Rumours of Arsenal’s demise were unfounded, as I suspected they would be. The change of manager for sure rocked the boat and led to some frustrating performances, but form is temporary, class is permanent as they say. Does that mean that they will come back to win the league – I strongly doubt it, the damage has already been done, but they still are going to thrash the odd team because of their sheer quality and a renewed sense of belief. If they don’t finish in the top three – I’ll eat my SheGulls hat.

Other Business

• Massive thank you to all the travelling fans who headed up to the Emirates after battling through London at rush hour. In such a vast stadium the away section looked a little sparse, but those of you that made it after the change of date/time were definitely heard and seen.
• There was some vitriol aimed towards the team at the conclusion of the game as they headed off down the tunnel without coming over to show their appreciation for the away support. Dario Vidosic took responsibility for this and apologised in his post match press conference. That was the right thing to do as, no matter the result, those supporters spent their hard-earned money to be there and watch whilst the team lost 5-0. I don’t envisage that happening again.
• Once again I thought the refereeing was inconsistent, several similar fouls warranting no attention in some cases, a yellow card in others. As a referee you have to have a benchmark and stick to it – football is not a game where the standard of strictness is fluid. If you give a decision in the first minute, that MUST be the same decision you would make in the 90th.

For more in depth discussion please do check out the SheGulls Podcast, recording Monday for release Tues/Wed, where Duncan, Ben and Claire will try to stay positive after Friday and look ahead to upcoming game at the Amex – available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

I’ll be at the West Ham game on Saturday so do come and say hello if you see me, or any of the SheGulls crew – we’re always happy to chat!