Club news

Hughton Reflects On Albion's Festive Points

By Kieran Cleeves • 03 January 2018

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton reflected on a busy festive period that came to an end with a 2-2 draw against AFC Bournemouth at the Amex on Monday afternoon.

The Seagulls claimed a point on New Year’s Day, which added to a victory over Watford, defeat to Chelsea and a goalless draw at Newcastle United, and Hughton showed his mild satisfaction towards the collection of five points.

He said, ”On the back of today [Monday], I'm a bit disappointed, but that's only on today. Irrespective of form, a draw at Newcastle was good, our first-half performance at Chelsea wasn't bad and we won at home to Watford.

"We're playing a different level to the Championship, so it's harder to defend and harder to score goals this season.

“We're trying to adapt to those levels, it's tougher, every game we play is a tough game and these are the type of games we would've won in the Championship.”

Hughton admitted it was an exciting game for the supporters to watch, but showed his disappointment towards the nature of Bournemouth’s first goal at the Amex.

"It's definitely two points dropped, with the timing of the second goal in probably what was a fairly even game. It was a good game for the neutral, end-to-end.

“Bournemouth showed why they can score goals with the quality they've got, but they also allowed us opportunities and we had four great chances to score.

"I'm more disappointed with the first goal, it's an area that we've tried to work on.

“The second goal can happen, players attempted to clear the ball, there were a lot of bodies and blocks, but it happens sometimes."

Albion started both halves on the front foot, scoring on five minutes and 48 minutes respectively, and Hughton was pleased with his team’s attacking intent, before speaking about their organisation from set-pieces.

“We started the game well and there was a conscious effort to be better in the final third.

“Every now and again you're going to get that feeling in the game where momentum is going for you.

“As an away team, they had a lot of aggression in their game and they counter-attacked very well.

"We've always gone for man-to-man defending [from set-pieces] and ultimately, it’s down to a player, and it's his responsibility if a goal is conceded.”