Murray Hails A Vital Win

Brighton & Hove Albion striker Glenn Murray hailed a vital victory over West Ham United on Saturday, and believes the result can give the squad confidence heading into the final 12 games of the season.

Albion had only won one of their previous 14 league games ahead of West Ham’s visit, but Murray explained how the squad has remained upbeat after a string of impressive performances.

He said, “It’s massive for us at this stage of the season, considering how tight the bottom half of the league is.

“When you say that stat [one win in 14], that isn’t how we view it, because we’ve played well and had a couple of wins in the FA Cup in that time.

"It’s always possible, not only for a newly-promoted team, but for any team to go through a difficult patch.

“But we’ve stayed strong and not lost too many games and picked up a few points, which has been crucial.”

Murray reflected on his tenth goal of the season so far in all competitions to give Albion the lead, and praised Jose Izquierdo, after the Colombian scored a spectacular second for the Seagulls.

“You try to keep your cool and get it on target. If he saves it, he’s done his job. As long as I get in on target, I’ve done my job and luckily it’s got in.

“It’s brilliant [Jose’s goal], I didn’t keep up with his celebration, but most of the team did!

“It’s good to see him like that; he can really make a difference when he’s in that sort of mood, and he scored a brilliant goal against West Ham again.”

The Seagulls frontman also spoke about the arrival of new players into the team, and hopes that Jurgen Locadia can make a quick impact once he returns from injury.

“I go with what I said before, bringing new blood into the squad can be a bonus, it can spark other people into life and we’re now got an option to play two upfront.

“We’re looking for Locadia to come back, and he’s an exciting player who’s quick, and someone who’s similar to Jose. It can always lift the team.”