Hughton: We Benefitted From Open Game

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton felt his players benefitted from the open nature of this afternoon’s match against Swansea City at the Amex Stadium, as they sealed a 4-1 victory in the Premier League.

Glenn Murray’s brace and goals from Anthony Knockaert and Jurgen Locadia ensured all three points would be staying on the south coast, and Hughton was delighted to see his team express themselves in front of goal.

He said, “I thought it was a really good performance. The game certainly opened up in that second-half period, and because of the fact we took the lead, they decided to change [shape], which made it an open game.

“When that happens, one side generally benefits from it and I think we benefitted from it more than they did.

“Offensively, we certainly came onto a decent game. Probably for a side who didn’t look like scoring too many goals, that has changed in recent weeks.

“That always has to come on the back of a good team performance - but if you ask the back four and goalkeeper, their disappointment would be that we didn’t keep a clean sheet.

“However, I thought we were well worthy of the win, and as the game opened up, we certainly looked like we could score a goal.”

Knockaert was recalled to Albion’s Premier League starting line-up and fired home in the second half to notch his third goal of the campaign, and Hughton highlighted the Frenchman’s hard-working contribution.

“If I look at what he gives the team, he’s still somebody that’s very prepared to work hard for his team-mates.

“When you raise the level and come into this division, the ones that find it that little bit harder are the offensive players.

“They’re up against better defenders than what they were last season. You want them to work hard for the side but their performances are always going to be up and down.

“But if you work as hard as Anthony does, you’ve always got a chance. I also thought he took his goal very well.”

Jose Izquierdo was a constant threat for the Seagulls down the left wing, teeing up Murray for his second strike of the afternoon, and Hughton praised the Colombian for his continued progress.

“He’s another one that’s coming onto a good game. He’s somebody that wants to work for the team.

“Perhaps what you can get away with a little bit more at home, sometimes it’s slightly more difficult to do that away from home.

“He’s settled into our game here and is somebody that is used to scoring goals in the league that he played in before - he’s certainly in good form.”