We were poor in the first half and very lucky to come in level. Started slowly in the second, but took control about 10/15 minutes in. Puncheon (who I thought had a poor game. Looked lost in the middle) had a great chance to put us infront. We always looked vulnerable on the break, especially down the wings, and sure enough thats how they took the lead again. I can see why Pardew waited to make the changes, because we were definitely on the up. When the subs did come on though, they made a big difference. Waigo and Barnard linked up well for the equaliser, but other than a free kick from Ricky, we never looked like getting a winner. Disappointed with our set pieces of late, and this game was no acception. I know we scored from a free kick, but we had alot that went straight to the keeper.
The ref wasnt great. I can think of a few times when one of our lads was brought down when we were on the break, and the ref waved play on. And I'm sure the linesman's flag was up when Brighton scored their second, but nothing happened. Alot of us thought that, but then we were some distance from it.
So...we didnt play well at a sh*t ground with a sh*t ref and a sh*t atmosphere, against a form team, and still came away with a point. I would have taken that in the first half I can tell you.