Instant Reactions – West Ham v Brighton (20/10/17)

Following tonight’s clash between West Ham United and Brighton, here are the instant reactions from both managers.

West Ham United hosted Brighton at the London Stadium for an 8pm kick off on Friday October 20, with Brighton taking a three nil victory on the night with goals from Glenn Murray (brace), and Jose Izquierdo to register their first away win of the season.

West Ham:

Hart, Zabaleta, Fonte, Reid, Masuaku, Obiang, Kouyate (A Ayew 45), Antonio, Lanzini, Arnautovic (Fernandes 74), Hernandez.

Substitutes:

Cresswell, Adrian, Noble, Ogbonna, Byram.

Brighton:

Ryan, Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Bong, Knockaert (Schelotto 84), Stephens, Propper, Izquierdo (March 70), Gross (Brown 76), Murray.

Substitutes:

Goldson, Krul, Suttner, Molumby.

Speaking to the BBC’s cameras a short time after match day referee Martin Atkinson blew the final whistle, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic explained.

‘It’s very hard for me to say anything clever now. I take full responsibility for it. I don’t want to hide. It is not a good situation and the board will do what they are going to do. It’s their decision. The goals affected us. Especially the first one very early. The second was a bit of a killer. We took some risks but to give credit to them they defended really well with numbers. I am disappointed. I never point out the players in front of the cameras. They gave their best but it wasn’t good enough tonight. I have to say sorry to the fans. It’s not the first time. They deserve better than this. I’m not worried. But I’m realistic on the other hand. The speculation was here before. I’m manager of the team, I don’t want to hide behind anything. It’s my responsibility and it’s up to the board of course.”

Brighton manager Chris Hughton in his comparitive interview explained.

‘I thought we were outstanding. A huge part of the game is how you defend and I thought we defended the crosses and made a lot of blocks. We certainly made the most of it. I’m as pleased with the clean sheet as I am with the goals. We used the ball well and nullified the qualities West Ham have got.’