Chris Hughton lauds Brighton’s development but insists that they cannot rest
Brighton and Hove Albion put an end to their four-game winless streak with a 1-0 victory over Everton at home. Jurgen Locadia’s second goal of the season helped settle a cagey encounter at the Amex Stadium, leaving the Seagulls 13th in the standings heading into the new year.
Manager Chris Hughton celebrated his four years in charge at the south coast with that 1-0 victory. Hughton took over the reins in December 2014 and guided the Seagulls to automatic promotion from the Championship in April 2017 before helping them finish 15th in the Premier League last term.
Following a victory that leaves the club 13th in the table, Hughton paid tribute to the Brighton hierarchy, saying: “I’ve had great support from this club, from the chairman, the board, the recruitment staff and of course my own staff.
“It’s been a good development for this club, but what we can’t afford to do is rest where we are.
“You’ve only got to look at some of the results from today. Teams that have found it difficult this season are now getting big results.
“We’ll need to continue to get results, and I’m hoping that as a club and as a team we can continue to make progress.”
Hughton spoke of centre-backs Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy in glowing terms and praised them for their solid display at the back against Everton.
Hughton highlighted the duo’s bearing on the game, saying: “It’s important because they know each other very well, and that’s not taking anything away from Leon Balogun, who’s played well in the last few games for us.
“But they’re a partnership that know each other very well, and they had to deal with a fair bit of pressure towards the end of the game.
“It’s been a good year for us. We’re on the back of two really good performances, both at home against two very good teams.”
