Brighton missed out on their first Premier League victory over Fulham on Sunday, as Joao Palhinha’s second-half goal earned the Cottagers a point.
Brighton & Hove Albion‘s dressing room was “flat as a pancake” on Sunday afternoon after their 1-1 draw with Fulham, according to Adam Lallana.
Joao Palhina’s second-half strike cancelled out Evan Ferguson‘s opener at the Amex Stadium, denying Brighton their first Premier League win since September – and their first-ever in the top flight.
Carlos Baleba then wasted several chances to make it 2-0 before captain Lewis Dunk hit the crossbar with a swerving free-kick four minutes later.
Palhinha responded with a powerful effort of his own that flew past Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele to tie the game at 1-1, with Brighton unable to find a winner despite late pressure.
Lallana told the official Brighton website about the mood in the dressing room after the game: “They were flat as a pancake afterwards, but I can see positives in the performance and even in the team’s disappointment.”
“When I first joined the club three or four years ago, a point from that would have been fantastic.” We’ve come a long way, and it’s important to remember that.
“The league is tough. Teams each have their own style of play and try to make things difficult for us. It is extremely difficult to win Premier League games. They [Fulham] had all week to plan their strategy, but we didn’t. It’s not an excuse; it’s simply the situation that has arisen as a result of our success.”
“At the end of the day, it’s a football game, and you can’t be at your best all of the time.” They are exactly the type of games that can occur following a Thursday night game. Everyone’s emotions were running high [against Ajax], and we came out on top. Sometimes you can win in an ugly way, and that is what we must learn. In terms of playing three games per week, it’s an inexperienced squad.”
Lallana’s playing time for Brighton has decreased in recent years as the 35-year-old has battled injuries. Last season, he made just 18 appearances across all competitions, with thigh and calf problems keeping him out since January.
The former England international made his second Premier League start of the season against Fulham on Sunday, and he admitted he did not expect to play as much as he once did.
“You may not have seen me on the pitch every week, but it’s nice to contribute when I can,” he said. “I don’t expect to be there every week anymore.” It’s a shame I couldn’t contribute to the boys getting three points.”
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