Post Plymouth: Hughton Summary

Speaking following the Plymouth game a cautious Chris Hughton praised the impact of Andy Carroll and Nile Ranger as our front line finally saw two recognised strikers for the first time since August. Having been rigid with our 4-5-1 of late, to see the big lads wreaking havoc was a pleasant change. Hughton said:

"It wasn`t easy. There were periods of the game where we made hard work of it, which was disappointing because we started the game very well with a very good tempo. For whatever reason, we weren`t able to sustain it, and the longer the game goes without a second goal, the more they (Plymouth) are lifted by the occasion and think they can get something, which they did.

Why did we struggle? It`s about confidence. If you look at how we finished the game, we weren`t a side lacking physically. It`s just that once you don`t get that second goal, you are up against it. Credit to them - they were a real danger in that period

Andy Carroll has done ever so well. He had been out for a period of time and had only two days training with the team before Blackpool, but he started that game and again today. He just got stronger and better as the game went on. He was excellent.

I have an option with Nile and Andy Carroll. Nile is a young lad and we know we can get a response from bringing him on as opposed to starting him, but that`s a decision we have to make."

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