Stephens Proud Of Albion's Efforts

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Dale Stephens believes they can be proud of their efforts so far this season, and is urging his team-mates to rise to the challenge in these remaining five games.

Stephens feels Albion have acquitted themselves well in their debut Premier League campaign, and the midfielder is now looking forward to testing himself against some of the division’s best sides in the coming weeks.

He said, “To be in 13th position in our first time back in the top flight for a long time, shows that we’ve not been overawed by the level and we’ve stood up to the challenge as a team.

“We’ve got a little bit of work to do, but we’re all excited to do it and remain in this division.

“I’d rather be where we are, but the job is not done and we’ve still got work to do between now and the end of the season to remain in this division. We’ve got tough fixtures, but everyone believes we can be a Premier League team next season.”

Albion’s next test is against Champions League chasing Tottenham Hotspur at the Amex on Tuesday night, and Stephens says the team will be heading into the match looking to right the wrongs from Saturday’s frustrating 3-2 defeat at Crystal Palace.

“It was [Saturday] frustrating. The manner that we conceded goals is not like us, and is disappointing, especially as we scored two goals away from home, which we’ve not done recently.

“We’ve watched the video back, learned from it and we’ll take it into these remaining games.

“I’m sure everyone will be ready to put that performance behind us and put it right on Tuesday night.”

Stephens is expecting Spurs to pose a stern test, but feels Albion can take confidence from their respectable home form this campaign.

“We knew coming into this Premier League season that our home form was going to be crucial. Generally it has been good, apart from the Liverpool and Chelsea games, and we’ve been in most games at home.

“Tottenham are a good side and are in a league of their own in that top four. It’s not going to be easy, but we didn’t come into this division thinking it would be and we’ve got to play these top teams and find a way to the win.

 “Every team has got chinks in their armour and we’ve got to make sure we play well first and foremost, set up right and hopefully get a good result.”