We have to start keeping clean sheets again '“ Ryan

The Seagulls lost 2-0 at Bournemouth as David Brooks scored in each half, the second after Albion had captain Lewis Dunk sent off for two yellow cards.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Brighton, who began the game well but Yves Bissouma and Jurgen Locadia were both denied by Cherries keeper Asmir Begovic.

Brooks cut onto his left foot and fired Bournemouth into the lead on 21 minutes, before Begovic produced a fine stop to deny Dunk an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

Dunk was booked twice in the second period – although Bissouma appeared to make the foul for his first yellow card – and was dismissed with 17 minutes to play.

Brooks headed home Ryan Fraser’s cross on 77 minutes to clinch all three points for Bournemouth, who won for just the second time in eight league matches.

Talking afterwards, Ryan said Albion – who have kept just three clean sheets this season – have to keep more shut-outs: “It’s a little bit frustrating as there’s been a run of games without a clean sheet.

“That’s what we base ourselves on and I just feel it’s going in a little bit too easily at the minute.

“It’s always hard to exactly put your finger on what it is. Last year we had a run where we were conceding goals from set-pieces and you try to analyse it and change it but it’s one of those momentum things that happens sometimes.

“We’ve got to work hard and that’s the only way you get out of a situation like this – work hard defensively and get that stability back there again.

“First and foremost, if we’re keeping clean sheets the worst case scenario is it’s a draw.

“We’ve been scoring lots of goals this year so I’m confident if we find that balance where we are defensively hard to break down and can keep clean sheets, that we can go and win games.

“We put ourselves behind the eight ball and it’s always a mountain to climb in a tough league like this when you go behind.”

Ryan added Brighton have to dust themselves down to try to turn their fortunes around. He said: “At the minute it’s not falling our way. In my experience in this league from last year until now, there’s periods of momentum where you seem to get wins on the bounce and then you get losses on the bounce.

“You’ve got to keep dusting yourself off through whatever situation you find yourself in and keep going. It’s all about the next game and trying to get as many points as you can.

“It’s a disappointing afternoon today and you feel heavy and disappointed for the fans that have made the trip down.”

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