Brighton & Hove Albion defender Lewis Dunk believes Monday’s performance against AFC Bournemouth was one of the finest of the season, but feels the side should have taken more points from a busy festive period.
Dunk felt the side could be pleased with their overall display in the 2-2 draw with the Cherries, but expressed his disappointment at not being able to kick-start 2018 with a victory.
He said, “I think so [one of best performances of the season]. I thought we were very good, passed the ball well and controlled the game for large spells.
“They had their spells where they got on top, it’s just very frustrating we drew the game and didn’t win it.
“I said the Newcastle result was a good point, but only if we got the win here. I said that before the game, but it wasn't meant to be.
“The Chelsea game was very tough, but I feel like we should have more points from it [the festive period], especially on Monday, and at Newcastle, where I felt we were the better side.
“They were two of the best performances of the season and we got two draws.”
The defender admits the team need to deal with set-piece situations better, and was left frustrated by the nature of both of Bournemouth’s goals.
“We've struggled with set-pieces this year and we’ve tried to work on it, but it keeps happening. With the second goal, there seemed to be about 10 deflections before it went in.
“It’s frustrating because I thought we were the better side and deserved more.
“They’re the sides around us that we need to beat, especially at home. We didn’t quite manage it today, but we go again after the FA Cup next week.”
Albion now have a week until their next game against Crystal Palace in the Emirates FA Cup, and Dunk feels the squad will benefit from a seven-day break from action.
“It’s been very tough. We’re used to it from the Championship last season, where we had a lot of Saturday-Tuesday games.
“It was Saturday-Monday this time and we came into the game feeling a bit weary, but once you get the adrenaline inside you, you forget about it.
“It’s much needed and we’ll now look ahead to Palace in the FA Cup.”