Chris Hughton sets Brighton challenge after lucky escape vs Fulham
Monday 2 January 2017 20:10, UK
Chris Hughton has challenged his players to remain top of the Sky Bet Championship after a fortunate 2-1 win over Fulham.
Hughton's side extended their unbeaten run to 18 league games after two goals in two second-half minutes - the first a Tomer Hemed penalty, followed by Lewis Dunk's header - overturned Lucas Piazon's 55th-minute opener.
David Stockdale's penalty save from Stefan Johansen ensured Brighton reached half-time on level terms, and Hughton was grateful for a lucky escape.
"We probably didn't deserve the win but we showed enough, " he said. "There were periods in the game where Fulham looked very good. It is very difficult when you are playing a team as expansive as these are. You have to make sure you don't allow them opportunities to play.
"We found it difficult but we came away with the best chance in the first half but we needed a goalkeeper who was very good today and sometimes those ingredients win you games."
Albion took advantage of Newcastle's shock defeat at Blackburn to move two points clear at the summit.
"The challenge for the players is to stay at the top," Hughton added.
"We have stressed to the players the second half of the season will be harder because everyone is pushing harder, expectation levels rise and we have to manage that.
"We have not done anything yet. There is still too much of the season to go. I hope the experience of last season will help, but we won't know until the end of the season."
