Lewis Dunk slammed over ‘massive mistake’ in Brighton v Leicester
Brighton captain Lewis Dunk was blamed as Fabian Hurzeler’s side let Leicester break their goalless run of defeats with a 2-2 draw at the Amex.
Dunk was linked with a move to Man United in the summer, but following a series of poor performances and the emergence of Jan Paul van Hecke, the English centre-back has fallen down the pecking order at the Amex.
A red card for the Dutch defender, and injuries to Adam Webster and Igor gave the England international his place back in the side for the match against Leicester.
However, a “massive mistake” may see Hurzeler consider whether Dunk can be relied upon as Brighton attempt to qualify for Europe this season.
Lewis Dunk at fault for Leicester equaliser vs Brighton
With Brighton cruising against Leicester, leading 1-0 and in very little danger of letting it slip, all hell broke loose.
Dunk gave the ball away, allowing Stephy Mavididi to break through and score the Foxes first Premier League goal since January.
Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Special, ex-Arsenal star Merson slammed the England centre-back for the mistake, saying (12 April, 3.38pm): “It’s 1-1, it’s Leicester and it’s Mavididi whose been their best player by a million miles.
“Dunk gives the ball away on the half-way line. He can’t get back. It comes out to Mavididi, he goes to cross it, it bounces back to him and he hits it first time through the goalkeeper’s legs.
“It’s 1-1 against the run of play. Massive mistake by Dunk though, massive mistake.”
What’s worse, having once again taken the lead through the second of two penalties from Liverpool transfer target Joao Pedro, a reinvigorated Leicester fought back, earning a point through Caleb Okoli in a devastating blow to Brighton’s Champions League hopes.
Brighton run out of steam at the worst time
Football Insider Verdict
Having been absolutely destroyed 7-0 at the hands of Nottingham Forest, Brighton made gold out of, well, you know the rest, and responded with a run of six wins in a row in all competitions.
The Seagulls were soaring up the Premier League table, and given the fact five teams will qualify for Champions League football this season, they seemed in with a shout to nick a place.
However, Hurzeler’s side have seemingly run out of steam, and the draw against Leicester is now their fifth game in a row without a win.
Injuries and suspensions, such as Van Hecke’s red card and knocks to Chelsea target Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter, have knocked the wind out of the South Coast side’s sails.
For as rough as their recent run has been, there is little excuse in dropping points to teams like Leicester, and Hurzeler must find a solution soon, or risk missing out on a chance to play in Europe’s premier competition.