Marco Silva has seen his fair share of even duels with the Seagulls from the south coast, and it happened again on Saturday afternoon as a "balanced" duel produced the result it deserved for Fulham.
‘The penalty changed the dynamic’
Not for the first time, there was drama at the end of a clash between the teams at the Amex Stadium.
“Another dramatic game away from home against Brighton: not the first time. Last season was a late goal from them, this season for us. Three seasons ago, we scored in the last minute of the game too.”
The Portuguese portrayed the first half as an even affair that took time to display some real quality.
“It wasn't the most amazing game from either side in terms of performance. The game was balanced in the first half. First 25 minutes were at a good level with no clear-cut chances but dangerous moments.”
He believed that the game-changer was a penalty at the start of the second half. Georginio Rutter carried to rumble the **Fulham**midfield, and Matt O'Riley hit the back of the net from twelve yards.
“Second-half the same way, the only difference was the penalty. Until then, the game was more or less the same: very balanced. The penalty changed the dynamic of the game and boosted the confidence.”
The stalemate might have come about in injury time, but Kenny Tete and Emile Smith Rowe might have put their names on the scoreboard before the leveller happened. In Silva's view, a draw was fair.
“They had some offensive transitions and counter-attacks, while we had some good chances. We showed fighting spirit and the belief that we were capable to at least equalise “Looking overall at the game, I think that the draw was a deserved point for both teams. I think that this is a fair result.”
‘He deserved it’
The manager mentioned Rodrigo Muniz as a standout figure after he equalised at the death.
“His connection with the fans is strong, not just because he scored today. Rodrigo created something that isn't so easy to do. The fans recognise his quality, and that he gives everything for the shirt.”
The Brazilian bagged eight goals last term, but his application is what impresses Silva the most.
“With Rodrigo, it doesn't matter against who and it doesn't matter if he scores or not. He always gives 100%. It was nice to see him score and the connection. The fans showed support for the whole team.”
There was a ninth Premier League appearance for academy graduate Josh King, a midfielder who signed a four year deal this summer. His impact in the preseason paved the way for a starting spot.
“Very good performance, very good performance. He did really well. These types of games and the attention he gets from the players around him is going to help him improve. He's a top player.”
Andreas Pereira and **Emile Smith Rowe**sat on the bench, but age is only a number for the boss.
“I didn't have any reservations to start him. He started because he deserved it. He had a very good preseason. It doesn't matter if he's 18, 34 or 35: if he deserves to play, he's going to start the game.”