Jahanbakhsh: We Needed To Protect The Ball

Brighton & Hove Albion winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh admitted the team were punished for giving the ball away too frequently against Everton on Saturday afternoon, as the Seagulls went down 3-1 at Goodison Park.

Second-half goals from Seamus Coleman and Richarlison ended the hope Lewis Dunk had given his team at 1-1, and Jahanbakhsh accepted the hosts showed more quality to win the game.

He said, “They deserved the win and played better than us. We did a good job in the first half, created some chances and came in at 1-1. But in the second half it wasn’t really what the gaffer asked us to do.

“We didn’t have good possession and were punished for that. In terms of defending as a team, it wasn’t the same as the last three games.

“People expected more from us because of the last few games, but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be. Everyone works hard to do their job but it just didn't happen for us.”

Jahanbakhsh has enjoyed a consistent run in the side over recent games, but the Iranian insists there is plenty of room for improvement as he continues to adapt to the English game.

“It’s my fourth start for the team, but I’m still getting used to things in every single game. Hopefully I can make more minutes, but I knew it was going to be difficult to start with.

“It’s a different competition and there’s more pace to it. I have to get used to it and that’s all that matters. Of course I expect more from myself. Hopefully with more games I can perform better for this club.

“We’ve done a good job recently, winning both away and at home, but we need to get points next week — that’s really important for us to stay in good shape.”