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Maupay: It’s been a positive start

It took Neal Maupay just 13 minutes to find the back of the net on his Albion debut at Watford, and just five minutes into his first appearance at the Amex Stadium, the Frenchman had a great chance to double his Seagulls account.

By Kieran Cleeves • 21 August 2019

By Paul Hazlewood
Neal Maupay in action against West Ham at the Amex

Unfortunately, the 23-year-old’s close-range effort from Glenn Murray’s inch-perfect cross against West Ham United beat the crossbar, but the summer arrival from Brentford reflected on a positive start to Premier League life.

He said, “Straight after my chance, I just tried to focus on the next one. But obviously after the game I was disappointed because I could have won the game for the team.

“It’s not always easy to come on and have a chance after five minutes, but I’ll just keep working to score next time.

“It’s been two positive games for me. I didn’t play much in pre-season, but I feel good. In training I’m working hard to know how to play with my team-mates.

“I’ve had chances after coming on in both games and I feel good with my positioning on the pitch. I think I can do a lot more, but it’s not been a bad start.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Neal Maupay

Maupay’s 67th-minute introduction, in place of Pascal Gross, signalled his first taste of action in front of his new home supporters, and he praised his team-mates for showing their nerve after going a goal behind.

“The atmosphere was great, the fans were really loud and behind us. It was a good first game for me — we couldn’t get the win, so we were a bit disappointed, but we showed character.

“We showed character and personality to come back after the goal. I thought we were the better team — we didn’t give up, we kept on pushing and got the goal through Leandro.

“We could have scored a second goal, but we didn’t quite manage that. But the character and fighting spirit we showed on Saturday is something really good and we’ll need that.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Neal Maupay

The forward has certainly made an impact off the bench so far this season, and Southampton’s visit on Saturday afternoon could see the Frenchman handed his full debut if Graham Potter decides to shuffle his pack.

“The rhythm is definitely higher in the Premier League; the players are more clever and quicker. But when you come on from the bench, it’s always hard to get into the rhythm of the game.

“As a player, we always want to start games, but I’ve needed a couple of weeks of full training. I’m close to being ready to start a game, and I can’t wait to make my full debut for Brighton.”

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