Hughton praises complete Albion performance against Derby County

Chris Hughton praised a complete performance as Brighton & Hove Albion swept aside Derby County at the Amex tonight.
Albion boss Chris Hughton and his Derby County counterpart Steve McClarenAlbion boss Chris Hughton and his Derby County counterpart Steve McClaren
Albion boss Chris Hughton and his Derby County counterpart Steve McClaren

Goals from Anthony Knockaert, Sam Baldock and Glenn Murray completed a 3-0 victory that sent Albion level on points with leaders Newcastle at the top of the table.

They also opened up a nine-point gap over Huddersfield in third place, who have two games in hand in the promotion race.

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Hughton was satisfied with his side's display, which was scintillating at times, and felt they scored at crucial times at the start of the match and just before half-time.

He said: "I thought we were very good from start to finish. We limited them and they are a good side, good individuals, talented individuals and we limited them to minimal chances and I think we missed some decent chances as well. It was a really good all-round performance.

"The timing of the first two goals were pivotal I think. We wanted to start well and and I think we did. The early goal and I think the goal just before half-time as well is one that lifts us.

"When you are the team to conceded just before half-time it is always a tough one. I thought we were able to take that on again in the second half. We played the right game up against a side that are very good in possession and finished off the job.

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"I thought we took that a step further today and we were very good. It's always wonderful to play on a Friday night when you win, if you don't Saturday becomes not such a nice day."

On Derby, Hughton added: "They are a good side. They have had some difficulties there is no doubt about that. Steve went in and they accumulated a lot of good wins and clean sheets in that space of time, but I think they have had a few difficulties.

"On any given day, when you look at the players they have got, they have a lot of quality, but we were better than them today."