Premier League winners and losers: Deja vu for Burnley
By Ty Finch
Loser: Lewis Dunk
Soccer can be so cruel sometimes. A 90-plus minute match can be decided on a whim, and a brilliant defensive performance can be wasted on a massive deflected shot from 20 yards out that has no business going in the net. That’s exactly what happened to Lewis Dunk on Saturday.
Dunk has been a revelation at center back-this season for Brighton. He and his partner, Shane Duffy, have helped Brighton climb to ninth in the table due to their suffocating defensive performances. Dunk excels at intercepting passes and blocking shots, as he leads his team in both categories this season.
Due to his aggressive nature in closing down those shots, he also leads Brighton in own goals, and added one to his tally against Manchester United. That own goal in the 66th minute proved to be the winner after Brighton couldn’t find a way back. Ashley Young took the credit for the goal, as it was his shot from 20 yards that assisted the ball into the net, but Dunk’s touch ultimately made the difference.
Brighton defended well for the entire match, even in the 66th minute when the own goal happened. They can be happy about their performance no matter the score line, but that won’t help Dunk feel better. United were the better side, and it could be argued that they deserved the win, but Brighton certainly made it hard on them. Their defensive shape and discipline makes it difficult for every opponent, and will be what will keep them in the top flight if they can continue all season.