Brighton defender vows to learn from Manchester City winner in FA Cup semi-final

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Shane Duffy says he will learn from Manchester City's winning goal in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final.
Shane Duffy challenges for a set-piece during Brighton's FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City. Picture by Getty ImagesShane Duffy challenges for a set-piece during Brighton's FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City. Picture by Getty Images
Shane Duffy challenges for a set-piece during Brighton's FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City. Picture by Getty Images

Gabriel Jesus dived to head home the only goal after just four minutes when he got in behind Duffy to meet Kevin De Bruyne's outstanding delivery from the right.

Albion pressed and worked hard to get back into the game but City stood firm to reach the final where they will meet Watford on May 18.

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Speaking about the goal afterwards, Ireland international Duffy said: ”I was in two minds. I thought if I stretch I don’t want to score an own goal and I sort of hoped it was going to go big on him and it was going to go out.

“But his movement was so good and that’s the level we’re at – if you switch off against them, they score.

“I will have to learn from it and I will.

“I shall kick on hopefully and not make that mistake again.”

The early goal had some Albion fans fearing the worst and Duffy said: “We knew that was the worst thing that could happen if we went behind early but to be fair to the lads we stuck at it and saw it out to half-time.

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“We tried to push on a bit more but they are a top team and we had to try to sit back and defend the box and we did that.

“We are disappointed with the goal and, personally, I felt I could have done a bit better but I regrouped and tried to give everything.”

Duffy felt Albion gave the semi-final a go but added they always knew how tough the cup tie was going to be: “I think, against the opposition we were playing, it was always going to be difficult and they were going to control a lot of the game.

“But we stuck in there after a slow start and gave it a go. I think all teams are going to struggle against that opposition but we done well and obviously we are disappointed, but we can hold our heads high.

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"We can take confidence from it but the most important thing is the Premier League.”

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