Chris Hughton believes that Everton will make a push for the top six after cruising to a 3-1 victory over his Brighton & Hove Albion side.
Everton got back to winning ways after last weekend’s defeat to Manchester United thanks to two goals from summer signing Richarlison and one from Seamus Coleman.
Speaking after the game, Hughton said that the hosts fully deserved the win and will look to break into the top six:
“We needed to start the second half better,” he told the BBC.
“We had the lift from the goal and were up against a team who have spent big money on quality players. We weren’t in the game long enough in the second half. They got the goal and their tales were up. We then played two up front but were up against a quality team.”
“We need to keep the ball better. Sometimes you have to accept you are up against quality teams. Keeping clean sheets is tough, especially three on the spin.
“You kick on by accepting you are Brighton playing a second season in the Premier League. There will be ups and downs. We were playing a team who will push for the top six.
The former Republic of Ireland international was keen to temper the fans expectations after their streak of three consecutive 1-0 wins came to an end:
“You always have to look as a whole. We have had three really good results and then a bad result. We have to accept that and be better next time. Come out fighting in the next game.”
The result leaves the Toffees in ninth in the Premier League, while the Seagulls slip to twelfth.