Club news

Hughton Rues Missed Chances At The Amex

By Kieran Cleeves • 07 April 2018

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton admitted his team weren’t at their best against Huddersfield Town this afternoon, but felt the Seagulls had the better chances and should have won the game.

Albion, who had Davy Propper sent off in the second half, drew 1-1 against the Terriers - and Hughton was left with mixed emotions after a frustrating display that included a number of missed chances.

He said, “In the end, it’s a hard-earned point because we were down to ten men. But it’s definitely a missed opportunity - we shot ourselves in the foot again.

“We started the game really well. Davy Propper had an early chance, as he went through one-v-one - and then we deservedly took the lead.

“But their goal gave them the lift they needed. In the end, we ended up hanging on because we were down to ten men. I have mixed emotions, because it was certainly a game that we gave away.

“Even with ten men, we’ve had the best chances of the game. They were both one-v-ones with the goalkeeper, and they had a fortuitous goal go their way.

“So on the balance of play and chances, it’s a game we should have won and deserved to win.”

Propper was given his marching orders in the 74th minute for a 50-50 challenge on Jonathan Hogg, but Hughton questioned the red card decision, before stressing the importance of dealing with the Dutchman’s absence.

“I think it’s harsh. There would be numerous challenges like that in games across the country, and in many of them it wouldn’t be given as a red card.

“I don’t think the referee has given it, because from where he was standing, his view couldn't have been good enough.

“Davy's been very good for us. We’ve been without Dale for a period of games, but he’s now back in. We’ve lost Anthony Knockaert as well, and at this stage of the season, that’s not what you want.

“But what you have to do is get on with it. It’s the exact same as injuries, you have to get on with it and go into the next game looking to get a result.”

Albion are next in action against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, and with just six games remaining to secure Premier League safety, Hughton commented on the pressure added to his team’s fixtures.

“The games always become bigger, especially when you don’t get the result that you wanted. But it’s only ourselves that put us in that position.

“We should have got something from the Leicester game, and should have got something today - but we haven’t, apart from a point.

“We’ll have to make sure we turn up next week with the Brighton that we know over the last few months.

“We’ve got a lot of spirit and quality. But we’re in a position now where there’s a little bit more pressure, and what these players have to do is rise to the challenge.”