James MIilner admits delight after Brighton claim first-ever European win - 'We've learned so much from these games'
ByTNT Sports
Published 27/10/2023 at 09:57 GMT+1
Roberto De Zerbi led his side to a historic first win in Europe on Thursday, after Brighton claimed a 2-0 win against Ajax in the UEFA Europa League. Joao Pedro and Ansu Fati both scored to help the Seagulls to their first points in Group B. After the game, James Milner spoke of his delight at the victory, claiming that his side have "learned so much from the three games as a group".
Evergreen Milner 'wants to keep learning' under De Zerbi at Brighton
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James Milner stressed the importance of Brighton's 2-0 victory against Ajax, the club's first victory in Europe in their history, and claimed that his side have taken a lot away from their first few games in the UEFA Europa League.
It was a huge night for Roberto De Zerbi's side, with Joao Pedro and Ansu Fati both getting on the scoresheet to defeat the four-time European champions.
Brighton have now won, drawn and lost their opening three Group B games, and summer signing Milner spoke of his delight at the victory after the match.
"This was a big win, it was important to get the first win in Europe after a slow start in the group, especially at home," he told TNT Sports.
"I think if you look at the Brighton squad, there is a lot of quality and the performances last season weren't a fluke, they obviously deserved to be in Europe.
"We would have liked to start the group a bit quicker but we have improved now. We've learned so much from these three games as a group."
Pedro put the home side a goal up on the stroke of half-time after Diant Ramaj parried a shot from Kaoru Mitoma down towards the Brazilian who tapped in at the far post.
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Brighton v Ajax - UEFA Europa League highlights
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Fati, who joined Milner at the club this summer, doubled their lead in the second half, controlling an excellent lofted pass into the box from Simon Adringa before firing the ball across the face of the goal into the far corner.
It has been a difficult month for De Zerbi's side, who have failed to win in their last five outings across all competitions and came into this match off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League.
Adding to Milner's comments, Pedro said Brighton were due a win but would not be getting too far ahead of themselves with a big clash against Fulham coming on Sunday.
"First win for Brighton in the Europa League, we needed that this time for the fans to enjoy," Pedro said.
"I'm happy to score, to play for this team and to make history. We keep going to play for Brighton.
"We didn't win the last two games, we had a tough game against Marseille so today I think we deserve. You have to enjoy tonight and be prepared for the Premier League game [against Fulham]."
De Zerbi echoed Pedro's comments after the match and admitted his team still have plenty to work on.
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'We are very proud' - De Zerbi hails 'great day' for Brighton
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"We played a great game, we played very well, we deserved to win, maybe with more goals but the most important news is that we didn't concede a goal," the Italian said.
"We kept a clean sheet, it is important but now on Sunday we have another big game and we have to be ready.
"We didn't expect the tactical disposition of Ajax, they defended with two strikers and we had time to understand the space. In the first half we played Pascal [Gross], [Simon] Adingra and Joel Veltman and in the second half we understood the space better.
"We scored the first goal after a lot of passes, we have to improve to move the ball faster, to play and reduce the amount of touches for every player but we have got the first victory in Europe for Brighton. It is a great day for our fans, our club, our owner and we are very proud to give them this day."
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