KOMPANY APPLAUDS BRIGHTON DISPLAY

Clarets chief discusses Amex draw

Manager Vincent Kompany says his side had ‘show both sides’ of the game today as the Clarets played out a 1-1 draw at the Amex Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Wilson Odobert gave the Clarets a half time lead on the south coast before a Simon Adingra equaliser ensured the points were shared at Brighton with the help of some outstanding saves from James Trafford.

Speaking post-match, the Burnley boss discussed the performance against Roberto De Zerbi’s men and praised Trafford’s goalkeeping display.

Kompany said: “I thought the first half was outstanding. We had to be patient for the moments where we recovered the ball, but in those moments, we were dangerous.

“Whether it was in transition or whether it was really good spells of possession. Starting from the keeper and finishing with a chance.

“We lost that in the second half so that bit went. It became more difficult to recover the ball, so it became more about our defending. We had to show both sides of the game today.”

The Burnley chief added: “They’ve (Brighton) got an outstanding team. It’s difficult to leave players like Mitoma one-vs-one and Adingra – trust me, I’m a big fan.

“But him (Adingra) and Mitoma, they’ve got so many players where it’s difficult to leave yourself exposed against them with too much space.

“In the second half we struggled a little bit to get out and play properly, but we still had that massive chance with Jay Rodriguez.”

Trafford was forced into action making 10 saves against the Seagulls, which kept the scores level heading into the final stages of the game and denied Albion several late attempts on goal.

When asked about the saves, Kompany said: “The game demanded it. You don’t come to these places and get a result without moments like this.

“It’s in the bank for him now in terms of having done it and gone through this. He just needs to keep working on being the best he can be.

“We’re very fortunate to have two very good goalkeepers with Aro Muric and James.”

Following the draw at Brighton, Kompany believes the club is heading in the right direction and highlighted the belief amongst the squad and staff.

“We’re not at a level yet where we can compete every week with teams like Brighton on an equal level.

“There’s a tremendous belief in me that we’re going in the right direction, but the biggest unique strength – and I put us against anybody – is this is an elite club in terms of the attitude and the standards and habits.

“The amount of belief and resilience we’ve got, it’s not just the players and staff, it’s a special club that really lives.

“You see it when you have results in football, so in moments like this it comes through. But it’s not for no reason that after such a tough start you still see progression, you still see people getting better and I won’t stop.”