Danny Murphy suggested there were plenty of positive aspects to Brighton’s display during their victory over Aston Villa.
However, he pointed out to Match of the Day viewers that the visitors had made life considerably easier for them.
The ex-Liverpool player was providing expert commentary for the BBC highlights programme and, alongside widespread criticism of Villa in the national press, he also recognised Brighton’s efforts.
Murphy observed that the pressing was excellent. It functioned as a unit, exceptionally well executed, while also demonstrating quality when regaining possession.
Running around and winning the ball back is all well and good, but once you have it, where does the quality come from?
They had impressive numbers in the penalty area and delivered well from the flanks.
There was much to admire about Brighton, yet Villa certainly made things easy for them.
Their performance after the opening goal was alarming. It was still early in the match. They needed to play it in a different direction, move forward and put their team on the attack.
There was substantial space behind Brighton’s defensive line. He went backwards with a throw-in, which was a negative choice.
Playing away from home on the opening day of the campaign, they should not have given their opponents any momentum.
You can see they want to press. Look at them. They are prepared to dive in.
It was a poor pass. Brilliant finish though, admittedly. It ended up as an own goal but it was still an excellent attempt from Maxim De Cuyper.
Looking at another clip, he remarked that from the kick-off, there was no talking, no communication. Turn opponents around, gain some territory, get into their half and relieve the pressure.
You could see what Brighton were attempting to do. It was extremely evident.
Yes, they execute it well. But Villa were simply creating difficulties for themselves.
Murphy commended Georginio Rutter’s contribution to the second goal and also drew attention to De Cuyper’s clever movement without the ball for his close-range finish.
He noted to watch him make his run behind Victor Lindelof. This is fundamental.
I do not think Lindelof even noticed him. This is not complicated. This is what you practise every single day.
Simply stick with your runners. Speak to one another, make the spaces tight.
De Cuyper again, who was outstanding today, delivered an excellent cross for the third goal, yet there was no pressure on the ball.
It was a two-on-one situation at the back post. They were completely disorganised.
They fell apart completely after conceding the first goal, and this Villa side was a highly capable team last season.
Yes, Brighton were excellent, a great beginning for them. But Villa, terrible. They have significant issues.