Brighton star offers no excuses after hammering by Bournemouth

Dale Stephens in action against Bournemouth. Picture by Getty Images

The Seagulls remain five points clear of third-from-bottom Cardiff after the Bluebirds lost 2-0 away to Burnley. Albion host Cardiff at the Amex on Tuesday in a huge game to try to move themselves closer to safety.

Dan Gosling gave the Cherries the lead after 33 minutes, before Ryan Fraser made it 2-0 just before the hour.

Anthony Knockaert was shown a straight red card for a wild lunge on Adam Smith, before Bournemouth added three more goals through David Brooks, Callum Wilson and Junior Stanislas.

Speaking to Match Of The Day afterwards, Stephens said: "It's a very disappointed changing room. We're all very disappointed.

"We were miles away from what we're used to today. But we move on. We've got a massive game on Tuesday.

"There were some strong words said in the changing room like there should be. We just need to make sure it was just a one-off.

"We're in a position in the league where it's still in our hands and we can still do something about it. So that starts with a big game on Tuesday."

The midfielder added Albion would make no excuses and said: "It's a bad, bad day.

"Bournemouth played well and we didn't. We didn't build on what we've been doing well this season.

"We don't use excuses. We pride ourselves on hard work and preparation and now we've got a big game to move on to on Tuesday (against Cardiff).

"The pressure's on now. We've got to stand up and be counted on Tuesday."

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Brighton v Bournemouth player ratings

Match report: Brighton 0, Bournemouth 5