Hughton Admits Albion Were Second Best

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton admitted he had no complaints about this afternoon's result, as the Seagulls lost 2-0 on the opening day of the season against Watford.

Roberto Pereyra’s goals either side of half-time ensured Hughton’s men would leave Hertfordshire empty-handed, and the Albion boss commented on his team's below-par performance against the Hornets.

He said, “I thought we were second best in most departments. We had a good period for about 25 minutes before the end of the game, but we needed to produce quality in the good areas we got into.

“We weren't able to produce that quality and Watford certainly deserved their victory. We’ve got a bit of work to do.

“Our preparation was probably the exact same as Watford’s. We had a good week leading into the game, but we probably didn’t score the amount of goals we would have liked in pre-season.

“As regards to the players being up to speed, there are no excuses with lads coming in late, because generally the team that played, apart from Bernardo, was the team from last season.”

Hughton introduced summers signings Yves Bissouma and Alireza Jahanbakhsh in the second half, and although the pair contributed after the break, the hosts had already inflicted enough damage.

“The first goal they scored was a very well-worked one, and we never had anywhere near enough good periods in the game.

“We were up against a Watford team that were better than us across the pitch. When that happens, you’re going to look vulnerable and that’s how it turned out.

“I was disappointed to lose Bruno as early as we did, but we brought on two offensive players who could make a change. I thought they did make a difference during that period of time, but it wasn’t enough.”