Clean sheets the foundation for a promotion push
The story of one man’s struggle also focuses in part on the pleasure from simple physical experience such as cold soothing water on a blazing hot day. Sometimes a physical sensation is often the best. Don’t worry, I will keep it clean. And clean is exactly what I want to talk about. There is nothing quite like it.
Sunday night after an action-packed weekend, slipping into fresh clean sheets. A sense of comfort.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThat’s exactly the sensation that the Albion are experiencing at the moment. The team are third going into the trip to Wigan this weekend and much of their success is built on defence.
The Seagulls have the meanest defence in the Championship, alongside Ipswich, conceding just nine goals in 13 league games. They have also recorded the highest number of clean sheets in the division, an incredible eight in 13 games.
That record will be put to the test on Saturday with Lewis Dunk suspended and influential captain Bruno a serious doubt with a groin injury. However all the team deserve credit and manager Chris Hughton does as well.
A defender as a player, the former left-back Hughton knows the importance of not conceding and just like last year it will provide the foundation for a promotion push.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAs expected, big-spending Newcastle and efficient Norwich have moved to the top two automatic promotion places. The Seagulls, I’m sure, will push them and others all the way this season if they continue to display robust defensive performances.
The word ‘negative’ has been mentioned by some fans in terms of a tactical strategy, especially when winning, but I can’t agree. The Seagulls are third. Goal difference may yet come into play once again – but with such determination at the back and if Glenn Murray and Sam Baldock continue to add to their tally at the other end of the pitch, they may have the recipe for success this time around.
Johnny Cantor covers Brighton & Hove Albion as a commentator and reporter for BBC Sussex Sport.
Follow all the action, home or away, on BBC Sussex Sport or Twitter: @BBCSussexSport or @johnnycburger
To read more by Johnny Cantor, visit www.johnnycantor.com
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDon’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1) Make our website your homepage
2) Like our Facebook page
3) Follow us on Twitter
4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!
Always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.