Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton highlighted the importance of turning promising performances into results, as the Seagulls look to end a run of three consecutive defeats when Arsenal visit the Amex Stadium on Boxing Day.
Hughton pinpointed his team’s hat-trick of narrow victories in October and believes that although the performance levels were less attractive, the nine-point collection was imperative to Albion’s current league standing.
He said, “Our level of performance has improved recently, but perhaps the period of the season where our level wasn’t as high as we wanted it to be, we managed to pick up three 1-0 victories.
“In this division, for a club like us, at the level we are, to win three games on the spin is huge. That went a long way for where we are at the moment and the gap that we’ve got.
“We can talk about levels of performance, but ultimately it’s about picking up points. What we could have done better in the last few games is picked up some more points.
“Southampton are on the back of two wins and if they have a good Christmas, their position will be so different to what it was before.
“We know there’s still a lot of work to do, and this Christmas schedule is going to be a big period for us.”
The Seagulls will be hoping to record a second victory over Arsenal in 2018 when Unai Emery’s side travel south, but Hughton insists the occasion will only be enjoyed with a positive result.
“It’s a great game for us and this club has fought for many years to get to this stage. We enjoyed our first season in the Premier League, but the dynamic changes a little bit for the second season.
“These are always the types of games that home supporters look forward to. We’re fortunate to have a home game, and fortunately for Arsenal supporters, the travelling distance isn’t too far for them.
“It’s a good game for us but one that we’ll only enjoy if we put on a level of performance that allows us to get something."
Fans can watch the manager’s full look ahead to Wednesday’s game against Arsenal on Seagulls TV above – and supporters can sign up to the service by clicking here.