Saturday 2 December 2017 20:34, UK
Chris Hughton says his Brighton side "were too naive" against Liverpool and rued the quickfire goals they scored in the 5-1 defeat.
It was the heaviest loss of the season so far for the Seagulls, with Emre Can opening the scoring on the half an hour mark before Roberto Firmino added his first of two goals just a minute later.
Following the defeat at the Amex Stadium, Hughton said his side would learn from their mistakes against a side who were a level above Brighton.
"We were too naive today and we haven't been like that against anybody. We have had a lesson today and we need to learn from that," he told Sky Sports.
"What we always knew, at this level against this level of team, if you don't play to levels that we have been playing this season it can happen.
"The first three goals were the most disappointing we were still in the game on 30 minutes, they've got quality we knew that, but we concede from a set play and a minute later they get their second one.
"We then have arguably one of the best two chances of the game through Glenn Murray misses a chance which happens and I think another 30 seconds later they get their third goal so they are the disappointing facts.
"I think the disappointment of conceding the first one from a set play, the emotion in the team and the disappointment that should switch you on to get yourself organised and get back into the game but when they score less than a minute later then it becomes harder.
"It has been a tough week and maybe that showed in the performance today."
Liverpool's third goal came through a devastating counter-attack, which Firmino netted for his second of the afternoon, and Hughton said his side were aware of the Reds' threat on the break.
"It is hard to organise against counter attacks but you've got to organise before that. That is not something that we didn't know. Up with Man City, Liverpool offensively are the best in the division," he added.
"They have got similar pace to Man City and that's the hardest thing to deal with. The players have had a harsh lesson today. We've been good so far this season and this was arguably our toughest test and we fell short at home.
"We are still learning and coming to terms with the division and occasionally we are going to have days like today. What's more important is how we bounce back from it."
