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Chris Hughton says Brighton should have been awarded a penalty against Watford

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Chris Hughton says Brighton’s 0-0 draw at Watford was their best performance so far in the Premier League.

Chris Hughton was pleased with Brighton's performance against 10-man Watford but says his side should have been awarded a second-half penalty.

Miguel Britos was sent off for Watford after a wild challenge on Anthony Knockaert but Hughton said a high boot from Abdoulaye Doucoure should also have been punished.

The midfielder appeared to catch Knockaert on the face as he attempted to clear the ball in the Watford penalty area but referee Graham Scott was unsure whether contact had been made, so awarded an indirect free-kick for dangerous play.

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Watford 0-0 Brighton

"It's a penalty because if you look at the cut on Knockaert's nose he has caught him," said Hughton. "The referee hasn't given it because he's not sure.

"Unfortunately for us on this occasion, it's gone very much against us. As a team that has just been promoted we need to get whatever points we can."

However, despite the call going against his side - and Brighton hitting the woodwork twice in the first half - Hughton declared himself satisfied with his side's display as they earned their first Premier League point.

Chris Hughton was pleased to get off the mark in the Premier League after Brighton drew 0-0 at Watford
Image: Chris Hughton was pleased to get off the mark in the Premier League after Brighton drew 0-0 at Watford

Brighton have failed to score in their first three games this season, and Hughton says they must now add that finishing touch.

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"I'm pleased to get off the mark with the point but disappointed we didn't get all three," he said. "I thought it was there for the taking, certainly on the balance of play we had enough good possession, good possession in the final third and got into enough good areas to make this scoreline in our favour.

"They defended very well, they were very athletic at the back, and it was those finals decisions and that little bit of quality that we needed. We've hit the post on a couple of occasions and had a penalty that should have been given in our favour. But even up against 11 men, I'm really pleased with how we went about our work today. This was our best performance of the three."

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