Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi staying positive after ‘frustrating’ Fulham draw
Roberto De Zerbi was staying positive after Brighton’s draw (Steven Paston/PA)
Roberto De Zerbi was frustrated with Brighton’s 1-1 draw against Fulham but insisted there were positives to their performance at Amex Stadium.
Joao Palhinha’s stunning 65th-minute equaliser cancelled out Evan Ferguson’s opener as Fulham fought to earn a point on the road.
And De Zerbi believes the Seagulls lacked a cutting edge on a day where they rued missed first-half opportunities.
“I am really frustrated and disappointed with the result,” De Zerbi said.
“I think we played a great game, especially three days after the Ajax game at home (a 2-0 win in the Europa League). It was a fantastic first half but we could have scored more.
“In the second half we played well. We conceded a goal only in one moment and when we lost distances we lost balance and then there was only one team on the pitch (Fulham).
“Last season we lost three points against Fulham and this season we dropped another two points and we are frustrated with the result.”
Ireland international Ferguson scored Brighton’s opener with a quality finish past goalkeeper Bernd Leno and into the bottom corner.
But boss De Zerbi insisted his striker is not playing at his full capacity despite scoring five times in 10 appearances in the Premier League.
He added: “Ferguson is not in his best moment but he’s a different player for us and a different type of striker we have in the squad and I think he could play better but he’s not in the best moment, he played a good game.”
Fulham boss Marco Silva believes Fulham were not at their best and showed Brighton “too much respect”.
He said: “In the first half we did not reach the standards we should if we want to compete at this level. We were not
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