Brighton faced a frustrating 0-0 draw against Ipswich, with Muric delivering an outstanding performance. Discover the match highlights and analysis here.
Introduction:
Brighton & Hove Albion put together six games unbeaten at the start of the Premier League season but were ultimately thwarted by a spirited Ipswich Town in an exciting 0-0 draw at the Amex Stadium. On an evening where they dominated vast tracts of proceedings, the Seagulls could not break down inspired keeper Arijanet Muric as he made numerous saves to put his side clear of the relegation zones.
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Brighton dominated right from the early minutes of the game. Four minutes into the game, Baleba’s low shot had Muric keeping it out. This set the tone for the rest of the game for Ipswich’s goalkeeper Muric. At one stage, Danny Welbeck released a header toward the far post but Muric was quickly able to nullify the score.
Brighton’s relentless stress continued into half-time. Among the game’s best moments, Muric pulled off a dramatic double-save on Georginio Rutter’s curling shot, which he first parried and then when Kaoru Mitoma reacted to the rebound, Muric was there to make the quick reflex save again and keep the Ipswich attack at bay this time visibly exasperating Brighton players.
Threats of Ipswich’s Counter-Attacking
Brighton had the majority of possession and opportunities in the first half but Ipswich came into the game during the latter stages; mainly through counter-attacks. The visitors were able to largely keep Brighton at bay throughout the game but were also dangerous with their own set pieces going into the second half.
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Liam Delap almost stunned the home faithful with a burst from the half-way line in the 55th minute. His strike, against the flow of play, hit the post and was as close as Ipswich came to finding their way on to the scoresheet.
Brighton’s Relentless Attacks
As the game continued, Brighton remained relentless in their pursuit of that breakthrough, but in particular, the Ipswich defense and Muric were really starting to frustrate them again. Early in the second half, Welbeck again went for goal with a free-kick that just curled past the post. Rutter shot well wide from a well-worked attack, but it seemed like fate was not on Brighton’s side.
Despite additional opportunities, of which there were several corners and shots from distance, Brighton simply could not breach Ipswich’s solid rearguard. Muric was solid all through, while the Ipswich defence, inspired by skipper Sam Morsy, really tightened up in the second half, perhaps a bit nervously as they were concerned about letting in a couple of goals in the opening half hour.
A Hard-won Point for Ipswich
For Ipswich Town, it is a tenacious draw that can prove quite useful as they return to the Premier League. They didn’t enjoy too much command of the game and faced most of it on the back foot, but they stuck with it and gained a hard-won point away. Ipswich’s few breaks were those that left Brighton scrambling for their lives, such as when Delap’s shot hit the post, while one other break from Ipswich was led by Omari Hutchinson from a Brighton corner, who shot directly at keeper Bart Verbruggen.
This was Ipswich’s second point of the season, a good step as they settle into life back in the top tier of English football. Their first away point in the Premier League will be seen as a small victory for manager Kieran McKenna, whose team showed exceptional grit and determination.
Brighton Left to Rue Missed Chances
This was a disappointing afternoon for Brighton as it capped what had otherwise been an until now frustrating afternoon for them. Having taken in much of this game, they will view this rather as two points dropped than one gained. Manager Fabian Hurzeler, who has just been named Premier League Manager of the Month, will be worried that his team, dominant as they were throughout this game, could not find a way through against a side positioned in the lower reaches of the table.
Though Brighton is only third in the league table, behind Manchester City and Liverpool, there could be even better times ahead as they are bound to break down teams that play in deep blocks to preserve their strong start into the season and challenge for European qualification. Missing in action are conversion possessions into goals.
Conclusion
Brighton although one are to dominate the pitch scored no break through on a spirited Ipswich team. Muric was at his best with incredible goalkeeping to save his team while Ipswich left the Amex with a valuable point. Brighton have to earn a draw as a missed chance to stay closer to the top of the table and will have to find ways to break down such defenses throughout subsequent matches.