Danny Murphy makes his points about Albion and Aston Villa (Image: BBC)
Danny Murphy makes his points about Albion and Aston Villa (Image: BBC)
Danny Murphy said there was a lot to like about Albion as they beat Aston Villa.
But he told Match Of The Day viewers they were given a big helping hand by their visitors.
The former Liverpool midfielder was on analysis duty for the BBC TV highlights programme and, amid the general Villa inquest in the national media, he also took time to appreciate the Seagulls’ work.
Murphy said: “The press was superb. It was done as a collective, brilliantly, but also their quality when they are winning the balls back.
“It's all well and good running around and getting the press but, once you've got it, where's the quality?
“They had good numbers in the box, great delivery from wide areas.
“There was so much to like about Brighton, but Villa didn't half give him a helping hand.
“It was woeful after the first goal. Look, this is early in the game. Throw it the other way. Play forward, get your team on the front foot.
“There's big space behind the Brighton back line. He goes back, it's a negative throw-in.
“Away from home, first day of the season. Don't give them any impetus.
“You know they want to press. Look at them. They are ready to jump in.
“It's a poor ball. Brilliant finish, by the way. It ended up being an own goal but it was still a great effort from (Maxim) De Cuyper.”
Assessing another clip, he said: “This is the kick-off. Nobody talking, nobody communicating. Turn them round, get some territory, get in their half, ease the pressure.
“You could see what Brighton were trying to do. I mean, it's so obvious.
“Yes, they do it well. But they were just creating problems for themselves.”
Murphy praised Georginio Rutter’s work for the second goal and also highlighted De Cuyper’s movement off the ball for his tap-in.
He said: “Watch him run off the back of (Victor) Lindelof. This is basic stuff.
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“I don't even think he (Lindelof) sees him. This isn't difficult. This is stuff you do day in day out.
“Just stay with your runners. Communicate with each other, make the spaces small.
“De Cuyper again, who was brilliant today, delivers a great ball (for the third goal), but there's no pressure on the ball.
“Two versus one at the back post. They are all over the place.
“They completely capitulated after losing the first goal, and this Villa side was a very accomplished side last year.
“Yes, Brighton superb, great start for them. But Villa, woeful. They have got huge problems.”