Brighton boss Fabian Herzeler was delighted to come away with three points against Ipswich despite his players not being at their best.
The Seagulls won 2-0 at Portman Road thanks to second-half goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter.
It extends the South Coast side’s unbeaten run to six games, although there have been too many draws for the manager.
But this was a win that will surely save.
Speaking after the match, he said: “It wasn’t our best performance but in the end we controlled the game and were solid out of possession.
“We created more chances in the second half, so we deserved the win. I’m happy about that.
“We have suffered in this period and this victory should give us faith and confidence. Now we must prepare for the next challenge.
FT: BACK TO WINNING WAYS AT THE #PL! 🙌
(0-2) 📲 #IPSBHA // #BHAFC 🔵 pic.twitter.com/mFgrI0QAhk
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 16, 2025
“We tried to push it too hard in the first half. We didn’t have the right seat.
“We changed a few things. In the second half, although they played with more intensity and pressed better, we were more dominant and created more chances. That’s why I think we deserved it.
“Every win in the Premier League means a lot to me because it’s very difficult to win in this league. We’ve seen that in recent weeks.
“We had great performances, sometimes even better than today, but in the end the result is the most important. We are happy, but there is only a short time to be happy. We have to focus on the next one.”
Herscheler was particularly impressed with Rutter, who forced his way onto the team this season.
He added: “I’m impressed by his attitude and how positive he always is. He always has a smile on his face. He really likes being on the field and playing with the kids.
“He has very important experience in the Championship. He is a good finisher and I am very happy that he is here. But there are many things to improve and he knows it.
“We try to give him the environment where he can improve every day.”
Meanwhile, Kieran McKenna accused his Ipswich players of losing belief towards the end of the game.
Defeat at Portman Road.#IPSBHA | @Nustone_UK pic.twitter.com/9Q1TbPYzOA
— IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) January 16, 2025
The Tractor Boys held firm for the first hour but then collapsed after conceding the first goal.
McKenna said: “It was a really even game until the first goal. In the first 60 minutes we were the more threatening team, we had the best chances and got into the best areas, but the first goal was bad and then the game got away from us.
“We lost faith in ourselves on the pitch, they made better receptions and pressed and were the better team in the last 30 minutes.
“We didn’t defend well enough to stop the goal and we need to find a better answer, but we didn’t do it today.”
