Hughton: Survival Means Everything

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton said “it means everything” to stay in the Premier League after tonight’s fantastic 1-0 victory over Manchester United at the Amex.

A Pascal Gross header in the 57th minute was enough to edge out Jose Mourinho’s men to claim Premier League survival with two games remaining, and Hughton expressed his delight for the whole club following such a monumental achievement.

He said, “It means everything. It's been a nervous ending and we have spoken about the run-in we've had and still have, with two big games coming up.

"It will certainly be great for us to go into these games, away to Manchester City and Liverpool, knowing we have retained our status, and it's great for this football club.

"They've come a long way. They've had some tough periods. The chairman [Tony Bloom] has invested very heavily in this club and I'm really delighted for him."

The result means Albion have claimed five points from the home matches against Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United, and Hughton has been delighted with his players’ recent performances against the top sides.

"They [Manchester United] showed the quality they've got, and without us putting in the work, we wouldn't have got anything from the game.

"Credit to the players. We've had three results here, Arsenal (win), Tottenham (draw). We had to put in that type of performance and be good on the ball as well. Overall I think we deserved it."

Hughton also paid tribute to Gross and man-of-the-match Knockaert, who put in a tireless display down the right flank.

"I thought he was outstanding, but not just with the ball, you have got to work as hard out of possession and I thought he was great for the side.

“He's [Gross] not been injured all season, which has been important. You want a lot of players like that and we have been fortunate in that respect, particularly in that area of the pitch."