It was a dour display with few chances from either side when Ipswich hosted Brighton last night, but both teams are pleased with the point.
Brighton’s manager Chris Hughton
On paper, a goalless draw looked a real possibility and it ended exactly that, despite Ipswich knocking at the door and Brighton being reduced to ten men as the game closed.
Absent players continue to stunt Ipswich squad
Toward the end of last season, injuries to several key players led to a series of unforgettable affairs and much of the same is hampering McCarthy’s squad again.
Teddy Bishop, Brett Pitman, Luke Varney and David McGoldrick were all missing and it showed as the Tractor Boys failed to convert numerous opportunities, even when the Seagulls were down to ten men.
Ipswich’s Luke Chambers and Brighton’s Tomer Hemed
Brighton have arguably the best defence in the league
The Seagulls headed to Portman Road having conceded the fewest goals out of any team in the Championship and managed to retain that position after the 0-0 draw, despite conceding in 29 of their last 30 visits to this stadium.
Whilst a win would have moved them up to second, the team didn’t put in their best performance against Ipswich and had to endure some strong play from their opposition.
McCarthy’s safety tactics continue to disappoint
McCarthy’s pragmatic approach might have resulted in five clean sheets since the season started but it has also meant that they have scored just four goals in the last ten games.
There have been few tactical changes and it is getting to the point in the season where fans will be expecting better performances and results as soon as possible if they hope to retain faith in their team’s playoff chances.
Nevertheless, Ipswich remain unbeaten at home, including key points from games with Norwich, Aston Villa and now Brighton which was no easy task.
Ipswich’s Kevin Bru and Brighton’s Dale Stephens in action
Brighton might have an attitude problem
When Dale Stephens received his second yellow of the game to leave his team one man down he became the second player in less than a week whose behaviour on pitch would mean he would miss a game.
Stephens received two yellow cards from referee Andy Davies, the first being for dissent and was sent off just minutes from full time after he fouled Jonathan Douglas.
Gaetan Bong missed the match against Ipswich after he received his fifth caution of the season, also for dissent, against Barnsley on Saturday.
Now Seagulls boss Chris Hughton is asking his players to stop venting their anger at referees because it’s costing them game time and, on top of injuries, suspensions are not something his squad can afford.
Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy
Joshua Emmanuel should keep his shirt
With Adam Webster out with an injury, 19-year-old Joshua Emmanuel was brought in to replace him for his first start this season.
Emmanuel certainly proved himself and was named Man of the Match when it concluded, with the most number of tackles, heading the ball over his own goal when it passed Bialkowski and even managing a shot for himself.
It didn’t go unnoticed with Mick McCarthy telling the EADT he will keep his place if he keeps playing that well.
He said: “The one I’m really delighted with is Josh Emmanuel – I thought he was excellent.
“If he plays like that every week, of course [he will keep his place in the team].”
With a point each, Ipswich have now moved up one place while Brighton remain in third.
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