Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Jose Izquierdo admitted that Albion’s slow start to the game with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park cost the side on Saturday afternoon.
The Seagulls fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat – twice halving the home side’s lead having been 2-0 and 3-1 down respectively in a frantic first half, but Izquierdo conceded they had too much to do to get a result.
He said, “It’s a difficult afternoon for us because of the way we started.
“It wasn’t our best performance and the start with three goals was the difference today.
“We tried our best to come back, got two goals and had chances, but we just couldn’t find an equaliser and they [Crystal Palace] held on this afternoon.”
Chris Hughton’s men created numerous second half openings as they pushed for an equaliser, with numerous efforts on goal. Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey made some good saves, and Glenn Murray also saw a last-gasp opportunity missed.
“In the second half we could have got a draw – but the result is a reflection of the mistakes we made during the first half.
“It’s a sad day for us – the fact that we scored two goals very quickly showed we have good ability, and that gave us confidence.
“We had so many opportunities to get level, but sometimes that’s the way the game works and the result is a reflection of our start to the game.”
The midfielder also acknowledged the importance of the game to the supporters, but stressed that Tuesday evening’s game against Tottenham Hotspur at the Amex Stadium was a good opportunity to atone for the result.
“It’s tough to take because we know it’s a derby for the fans.
"It’s a difficult day when we lose in this way and concede those types of goals.
“We have a quick turnaround now and we have a game that we have to prepare for on Tuesday evening against Tottenham Hotspur.”