After a performance that failed to hit the usual standards, Mark Hughes breaks down the turning points, the problems and the path forward as the squad enters a crucial stage of the season.
1. A strong start undone by a wonder strike
“We got into the lead and were dominating, but they scored a goal out of the blue - a great strike from their lad. Then we conceded another just before half-time, which was a major blow, and in truth we never really recovered from that.”
2. Losing control and falling into the opposition’s hands
“We played into their hands. They got bodies behind the ball, shut down our wide areas, stopped us going forward, and forced us backwards and sideways. They managed the game well and deserved their victory.”
3. Not enough players hit their usual levels
“On the night, we didn’t have enough players performing at the level they’re capable of. We can’t afford more than one or two off it anymore than that and we get beaten, and that’s exactly what happened.”
4. A missed chance to reach the top of the table
“We had the opportunity to go top of the league and maybe that didn’t really strike home. The players should embrace that pressure, enjoy it, being up there is a privilege, but tonight we didn’t handle that moment well enough.”
5. Junior’s goal a bright moment before injury
“Junior scored again, which was great, but he came off injured. I’ve got no report yet, so we’ll have to see how he is.”
6. The reality of life at the top
“This league is relentless. We know that. You have to keep going and going. Tonight we went behind again and couldn’t find a way back. That’s the challenge - to stay at your highest level every week.”
7. Defensive lapses that changed the game
“We couldn’t do much about the first goal, it was a brilliant strike. But the second one was a shambles in the middle of the box. We had chances to clear it, should have stopped the cross, and letting that in before half-time played straight into their hands.”
8. Get back to winning ways quickly
“We’ve had a long unbeaten run and we’re in a good place overall, but we need to pick ourselves up. We’ve got the FA Trophy next, then big league games after that. We need to get back to winning - and quickly.”
