Lewis Dunk pinpoints precisely where Brighton must improve after 'harsh' Chelsea loss

Brighton and Hove Albion skipper Lewis Dunk refused to be too downbeat despite 'poor goals' costing them dearly as they opened their new Premier League campaign with a 3-1 home loss to Chelsea
Lewis Dunk misses a golden chance in the second half for Brighton against ChelseaLewis Dunk misses a golden chance in the second half for Brighton against Chelsea
Lewis Dunk misses a golden chance in the second half for Brighton against Chelsea

A first half penalty from Jorginho opened the scoring for the visitors after Timo Werner was brought down in the box by Maty Ryan following careless play in midfield by Steven Alzate.

Brighton deservedly equalised in the second half through Leandro Trossard but moments later a wonder-strike from Chelsea right back Reece James made it 2-1.

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Kurt Zouma added the third when his effort deflected off Adam Webster and wrong footed Ryan.

The scoreline was slightly harsh on Albion who played with skill and confidence throughout.

Tariq Lamptey was particularly impressive against his former club and there were also encouraging displays for Solly March and Yves Bissouma.

Ben White also performed well on his Premier League debut until he hobbled off with 10 minutes to go with an ankle problem.

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But an individual mistake and a lack of defensive concentration in key moments proved costly.

“I think there’s loads of positives we can take from tonight," Dunk said. At times we mixed the game up well and played it out from the back with good confidence. It was a good start but a poor result in the end.”

“It does feel harsh, but they were poor goals to concede,” Dunk added.

“They were two set-pieces then we let their right-back shoot from 25-yards out, although it’s a good strike.

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“The three goals were disappointing because we played some really good stuff at times and 3-1 was a harsh scoreline.

“We have to concentrate harder after you’ve just scored. You think you’re back in the game and in the ascendancy, but that’s when they can punish you and Chelsea did tonight. It’s a learning curve for us.”

Brighton boss Graham Potter felt the game was decided by “fine margins”, including Dunk’s missed chance when his side trailed by only one goal, and said there were plenty of positives they could take from the game.

“There are lots of positives for us in terms of the overall game, but we’re disappointed of course because we conceded three goals,” Potter told Sky Sports.

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“The first one is a mistake, but the response after that was really good and I thought first half we were probably the better team, got the equaliser and were probably on the front foot.

“Then the second (Chelsea) goal was a bit of a blow. We had a really good chance at 2-1 as well and it’s just those fine little margins that ultimately, against the big teams, you need to turn in your favour if you want a positive result.

“In the end, we’re happy with lots of things but disappointed with three goals against and no points.”