Ryan Eager To Put Points On The Board

Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Mathew Ryan is focused on making a positive start to the 2018/19 Premier League season, as the Seagulls look to put points on the board against Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

The Australian shot-stopper played every minute of Premier League football for Albion last season, and the 26-year-old is desperate to build on the club’s 15th-placed finish, starting with victory against the Hornets this weekend.

He said, “We all want to start the season with a bang and get off on the right foot. Watford was our first point last season in our third match, so ideally we’d like to get off to a quicker start this time.

“Having the experience from last season, and if we play to the level that we know we can, we can go there confident and hopefully get a win.

“For a club like ourselves, the main aim is obviously to survive, but we’re looking to build on what we did last season and achieve better things this time around.

“We’ve made a few changes in the transfer window, and I’m confident those changes will strengthen us.”

Albion head into matches against Manchester United and Liverpool after Saturday’s trip to Hertfordshire, and Ryan commented on Albion’s growing confidence against the Premier League’s top sides.

“One of the biggest things I learned last season was that teams like Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham are human like us - if you can put them under pressure in the right moments, they’ll have difficulties.

“The fear factor of coming up against those types of teams diminished throughout the season, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of facing them this time around.

“Every week is a big match, whether it’s against one of the top teams or a team close to you. As a footballer, what more can you ask for?”

Ryan has seen goalkeepers depart and arrive over the summer months, and Albion’s number one praised the club’s former shot-stoppers before assessing his new relationships on the south coast.

“Niki Maenpaa and Tim Krul provided a great environment last season, and Ben Roberts did a great job in managing all three of us.

“Jason Steele and David Button have come in this season and we’ve got the exact same thing. We’re all getting along very well and most importantly we’re pushing each other every day.

“It’s important to make sure we better ourselves and be in the best possible condition if we’re called upon. I’m thoroughly enjoying the relationships with our new players.

“I’m always welcoming competition and hopefully it can bring the best out of everyone at the club.”