Hughton: Ulloa Deserved His Goal

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton was pleased to see Leonardo Ulloa fire his first goal for the Seagulls since returning on loan from Leicester City, as the Argentine returned to the starting line-up at the Etihad Stadium.

Ulloa came into the side for top goalscorer Glenn Murray, and Hughton was delighted to watch the striker head home Albion’s equalising goal, as he grew in confidence throughout the match against the Premier League champions.

He said, “I was very pleased for him. It’s been difficult for him because Glenn has played the majority of games and you get into a rhythm.

“He perhaps looked a bit rusty at the start of the game, but he improved as the match went on, with a bit of confidence.

“I’m really pleased for him to get the goal, and overall he really deserved it.

“We have him on loan at this moment but he’s still a Leicester player. He’ll come into our thoughts and we have a lot of decisions to make over the summer.”

Midfielder Davy Propper rounded City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo before crossing for Ulloa at the back post for Albion’s equaliser, and Hughton was pleased with the Dutchman’s contribution on a tough night for the Seagulls.

“With the system that we play, it was difficult for us to get into the forward areas, because they're an exceptional Manchester City them that tend to have the bulk of possession.

“Davy does have strength going forward and he’s showed that he can play in various positions for us, but we needed that and it was a goal that got us back into the game.

“I’m pleased for him - it’s good experience for us and we’re learning more about our players with every game.”

Goals from Danilo, Bernardo Silva and Fernandinho sealed victory for the hosts, and despite being disappointed with the nature of Albion’s conceded goals, Hughton also drew positives from the match.

“For the bulk of possession that Man City are always going to have, I thought they weren’t great goals that we conceded.

“The first two, we allowed ourselves to be opened up, and then the third one was from a corner, where we should have done better.

“That would be my only disappointment - but overall, coming here with the way they play, there were lots of aspects of the game that I was pleased with.”