Don’t you just hate football sometimes?
There is no doubt about it, Sunday’s result was a right kick in the teeth. The wait for our first home win goes on and yet it felt so close to finally arriving.
I thought that, for so much of the game, we were excellent and never really looked in too much trouble. Then Bournemouth struck a double blow and, for now, that has taken the wind right out of our sails. On the back of defeats to Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, the task ahead feels like it has got a whole lot harder.
Ali Al-Hamadi is fouled by Antoine Semenyo.Ali Al-Hamadi is fouled by Antoine Semenyo. (Image: Steve Waller)
The last two results have also confirmed that you think lesser of the league’s smaller clubs at your peril. With the recent win against Tottenham, and deserved draw with Manchester United still fresh in our minds, many of us could not be blamed for believing that a home win was just around the corner.
Ok, Bournemouth are an excellent football team usually and even a draw against them would have been acceptable. As for Palace, yes, they have some talented players and perhaps should be in a better position than where they are currently. But the bottom line is, they came to Portman Road on the same number of points as us. Yet, we were just so flat, and they did enough to deserve the win.
This league is so damn hard. The smaller, struggling clubs are still too good and experienced for us newly promoted teams.
That was our 200th live TV game by the way. Our first on Amazon Prime.
Lewis Cook and Conor Chaplin contest the ball.Lewis Cook and Conor Chaplin contest the ball. (Image: Steve Waller)
I had hoped that with Bournemouth having played on Thursday, the extra couple of days rest would benefit us. In truth, we did little wrong. We deserved our lead at the break, and throughout the second period we restricted the Cherries to truly little.
Could we hold on? As the game wore on, there was a nagging doubt picking at old scars and matters started to get tense. Bournemouth were able to bring quality off the bench and then a moment of madness from Aro Muric cost us the game in my opinion. With an equaliser gifted, we seemed to go to pieces. The winner was inevitable. We stood there stunned as to how we had managed to pluck a defeat from the jaws of victory.
I am usually positive and remember where we have come from over these past two years. I am sure it is the same for every one of you too. But we can be disappointed. We can hurt. We can think that whilst we are so close and competing well for much of each game, the reality is, are we good enough? Maybe not. I know that we lack the experience and game management know how for this league. I do not blame anyone for this. Can we find a way to negotiate this path that blights most promoted clubs these days?
Sam Morsy and Aro Muric look despondent after Bournemouth's equaliser.Sam Morsy and Aro Muric look despondent after Bournemouth's equaliser. (Image: Ross Halls)
I guess I cannot skirt around the issue of Muric either. I keep trying to defend him. There have been moments where he has made some great saves and Brighton away will always be a standout moment. I also know that if ever he is dropped, it will do nothing for his confidence either. But there must come a time when any goalkeeper is not immune to losing his place. Just like any other player. I would imagine that Christian Walton will soon get the feeling that a run in the team must come sooner rather than later. However, I just do not see Kieran McKenna dropping Muric.
So, it is a case of same old, same old. Bournemouth fans I spoke to after the game apologised for stealing more than a point. They wished us well and hope that we stay up. We are certainly getting plenty of plaudits and well wishes. But time has come to working out how we can start getting points on the board. Somehow, we must get to January in touch and make the necessary additions to the squad.
Finally, my best wishes go out to Simon Milton after he fell ill during Sunday’s game. I hope you are soon feeling better Milts and make a full and speedy recovery. All the best.