We were too soft defensively

Mathew Ryan is beaten by Chris Wood for Burnley's opener on Saturday. Picture by PW Sporting Photography

The defeat increased Brighton's winless league run to six games and they are now just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Burnley's opener came when Lewis Dunk's slip allowed Chris Wood to break through and fire home. Wood side-footed home the second after Dwight McNeil burst through the Albion midfield and the third came from the penalty spot through Ashley Barnes after Ryan brought Barnes down.

Ryan said afterwards: "Defensively we were too soft. I think every goal that they scored or they seemed to create their chances with far too much ease.

"When you defend that way you don't give yourselves a chance.

"The next test now is to show a bit of character and bounce back from this. It happens to the best teams in the world, every team out there.

"It's the momentum of the league and how it goes sometimes. One thing we've prided ourselves on is the strength of being at home and making the Amex a fortress.

"No doubt we will get back to our strengths and clean up the defensive side of things, be more stern at the back.

"The next one in the league is Leicester away and it's going to be important showing a reaction there."

Ryan was frustrated with referee Stuart Attwell's decision to give Burnley a penalty for their third goal, just moments after Brighton had spot-kick appeals of their own waved away when Burnley midfielder Jeff Hendrick handled in the area.

Brighton's keeper said: "I'm all the way up the other end. I can't see but everyone is pretty adamant that it's a penalty.

"Then it's the first penalty I've ever given away in my career. I don't like to commit myself in there, stood up, haven't gone to ground one-on-one.

"I've turned to try to move, I slipped or something. I've ended up the floor and he's coming round over the top of me.

"I can't just disappear into thin air, so I'm not sure what more I can do.

"He (Attwell) gives it, it's probably a little bit him (Barnes) feeling bad.

"He had one on him last weekend against Southampton where people were crying for a penalty. That's probably added up to the pressure of the referees this week.

"I don't know if it's a harsh decision or not, I haven't seen a replay of it. I didn't go to take him out or anything like that."

HAVE YOU READ?

Brighton v Burnley player ratings

Brighton v Burnley fan and action picture gallery

Brighton announce season ticket prices for 2019/20

Six things we learned from Brighton & Hove Albion v Burnley Things went for us in Brighton win - Burnley keeper Heaton

Former Manchester United, Brighton and Chelsea midfielder diagnosed with stomach cancer