Brighton boss Roberto Di Zerbi says his side “still haven’t realized their potential” after being held to a disappointing Premier League draw against Crystal Palace.
The result represents a missed opportunity for the Seagulls in their bid to qualify for European competition for the first time in their history.
De Zerbe’s side were on the verge of moving within two points of fifth-placed Tottenham – who have played two more games and suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Leicester on Saturday – when Solly March scored from Prous Estopinen’s searching cross. Started
But they fell four points behind Spurs after a glaring mistake by Seagulls goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who dropped a routine catch from Michael Oleis’ delivery to allow James Tomkins to head home from close range and give the hosts one. Point saved.
“We lost two points but we know football,” De Zerbi said. “We were a bit unlucky but I’m really proud of the performance, the players, the quality of the game and how many chances we had.
“We have to be clear to realize our potential because we haven’t realized our potential yet.”
Asked what he meant by that comment, the former Sassuolo manager added: “Fighting for a place in Europe. Brighton have shown great potential up to this moment. We believe in ourselves and that Want to try to get to the position.”
The Seagulls have every reason to look back on this match with regret after their dominance and failure to capitalize on several excellent goal-scoring opportunities.
Estupanin was briefly ruled offside by VAR after right-footing Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita during an entertaining but goalless first period.
Brighton’s smooth and fluid style was in stark contrast to the hosts, who seemed intent on making it a scrappy affair.
But while all three of Palace’s best chances came from mistakes by their opponents – two from Jean-Philippe Mateta’s effort and Tomkins’ goal – it was still enough to earn them a hard-fought point. .
Mistakes at both ends cost Brighton dearly.
While Brighton extended their unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions, if they were able to secure the victory their football deserved.
They could have been out of sight by half-time if their finishing had matched the invention and quality they displayed in their build-up play.
On his return from suspension, Argentina midfielder Alexis McAllister had a personal confrontation with Guetta, who brilliantly denied him on three occasions and stopped in-form winger Kaoru Mitoma curling in his fourth goal in as many games. Showcased his athleticism for
Adam Webster also went over from a great position, as did McAllister late on when it looked easy to score.
Palace, who managed just one effort on target and had 25% possession, must be credited for their resilience to stay in the contest.
Patrick Vieira’s side scrambled for every loose ball and Tomkins, captain Mark Gehey and Guetta were instrumental in their recovery.
“Our discipline enabled us to get a point because Brighton were the best today,” said Vieira.
“They made it really hard and pulled us through. We stayed in the game until we got the goal.”
