Christian Eriksen rued Manchester United’s all too familiar inability to take their chances as a concerning start to the campaign continued with the home defeat to Brighton.
Erik ten Hag’s first season may have been promising but his second term has got off to a poor start, with off-field issues compounded by poor performances on the pitch.
Having been unconvincing in the home wins against Wolves and Nottingham Forest, United’s 31-game unbeaten home run in all competitions came to a shuddering halt on Saturday.
The 3-1 loss to Brighton followed on from defeats at Tottenham and Arsenal, meaning the Red Devils have lost three of their opening five matches for the first time in the Premier League era.
“I think we started very strong, very much front footed and we surprised them a bit with our game plan,” midfielder Eriksen said.
“Then obviously when they score from the first chance they have it makes them a lot easier and for us we have to go forward.
“After that, I think we lost a bit of the momentum. I thought we had it back with a goal just before half-time. But then we didn’t have the little luck or the clinical part to get back and then it’s difficult.”
Former United man Danny Welbeck put Brighton ahead at Old Trafford, before Marcus Rashford saw a shot deflected onto the woodwork and full debutant Rasmus Hojlund had a goal ruled out by the VAR.
United lost their way after that point, with Pascal Gross and substitute Joao Pedro scoring before Hannibal Mejbri’s thumping consolation effort.
“You have to (fight),” Eriksen said of the team’s mindset when the hosts were trailing by three goals.
“Already before that I think we were trying to come back and we were trying to be offensively (dangerous).
“Obviously how they play there’s a lot of a lot of running from our side and I feel like they have a lot of extra passes, but in the end I still think we had enough chances to come back but we just didn’t take them.
“It’s been like this, the season so far. I think if we change that, I think a lot of the games will be a lot easier to play.”
If United put in a similarly toothless, lax display in Wednesday’s Champions League group stage opener then things could get far uglier.
Ten Hag’s men open Group A away to perennial Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, whose side are spearheaded by Eriksen’s former Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane.
“There’s a lot of games coming up now – every three or four days, there’ll be a new game,” the 31-year-old Denmark international told MUTV.
“So now our focus will definitely be on Bayern (from Monday) when people have recovered from the game.
“It’s going to be a very tough game, but every game is different, so it’ll be good to start from 0-0 and get something back.”
Brighton also now turn their attention to European matters and a historic clash with AEK Athens.
The soaring Seagulls have never played in continental cup competitions before and open their Europa League campaign against the Greek side on Thursday.
Roberto De Zerbi’s outfit head into the match in fine form and Brighton striker Welbeck says they do not fear anyone.
“He’s instilled that confidence and everywhere we go we want to get the three points, if it’s at home, if it’s away,” he said.
“We set up well. We know if we play to our best then we can beat anybody and today was no different. We prepared really well for the game and got the three points.”
Pochettino hopeful James can play part for Chelsea after returning to training
Mauricio Pochettino is hoping to have Reece James available for Chelsea's trip to Nottingham Forest following the club captain's return to training.
Chelsea confirmed on their official website on Friday that the England international is "back in full team training" after five months out.
James' latest absence came as a result of undergoing surgery on a recurring hamstring injury, which forced him off in the 2-0 loss to Everton in December.
The 24-year-old has played just 452 minutes for Chelsea in all competitions this season - down on the 1,936 he managed in 2022-23.
However, James now has a chance of featuring in Saturday's match against relegation-threatened Forest at City Ground.
"We need to see today but maybe he can be available in the squad, yes," Pochettino said at Friday's pre-match news conference.
"The most important thing is Reece James is going to be there for us. We have an amazing relationship and of course he is an amazing player.
"I know it is not easy always when you come from a long-term injury. The most important thing is that he can be available and can be part of the squad. If he can play five, 10, 15, 20 or 30 minutes it will be amazing.
"I am happy because we are going to be in the last week of the season and nearly all the players will be fit to be available. It is a good end and to see the future more optimistic."
Chelsea enter the game on a two-match winning run and unbeaten in three, ensuring they remain in the mix for a top-six finish.
After the trip to Forest, the Blues round off their campaign with games away at Brighton and home to Bournemouth.
Pochettino added: "It’s true that some good results in the last few weeks increased our belief and, of course, when you win games and the performance is good also.
"With the circumstances of having 12 or 14 players out, that gives more value to the performance and to the victories.
"I think the team is ready to face the last three games and I think it's important for us. An important objective is to try to be in Europe and of course we are focusing on the next game."
Jurgen Klopp defends 'unlucky' Darwin Nunez amid Liverpool exit talk
Jurgen Klopp insists he is not aware of any speculation regarding the future of Darwin Nunez as he defended the out-of-form forward.
Nunez missed a good chance in last weekend's 4-2 win over Tottenham as his run without a goal extended to an eighth game in all competitions.
The Uruguay international came in for criticism and later deleted all images of himself in a Liverpool shirt on his personal Instagram account.
Rumours regarding a possible end-of-season exit for Nunez have circulated in recent weeks, with Barcelona supposedly among those interested.
However, when asked about the 24-year-old at Friday's press conference, Klopp said: "There is no speculation. That must be external.
"I'm not involved in that anymore. It's just the situation we're in. He was definitely not happy missing that chance [against Tottenham].
"He has been unlucky in so many situations. He does everything right and the ball doesn't go in. There are no alternatives but going through it."
Nunez has 31 goals and assists combined in all competitions this season - a tally only Mohamed Salah (38) can better among Liverpool players.
He is in contention to feature for Liverpool against Aston Villa on Monday as the Reds look to end Klopp's tenure on a winning run.
The German has just two games left in charge, with the contest at Villa Park followed by the visit of Wolves at Anfield six days later.
Klopp risks having to watch that Anfield finale from the stands, though, as he will incur a touchline suspension should he receive a yellow card against Villa.
Asked about that possibility, Klopp told reporters: "I've known this for a long time. I've only got two yellow cards [this season]. A few of my colleagues have already got suspended, so I've got calmer over the years.
"I don't need to be on the touchline [for the final game with Wolves], but it would be cool. It will not be from my side, but I will try absolutely everything not to be involved in any discussions!"
Everton withdraw appeal against two-point Premier League deduction
Everton have withdrawn their appeal against a two-point deduction issued for a breach of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.
Last November, the Toffees were hit with a 10-point deduction for breaching the competition's financial rules during a four-year assessment period ending in 2021-22, though that penalty was reduced to six points on appeal.
They were then – along with Nottingham Forest – charged with breaching again in the period culminating in the end of last season.
An independent commission found Everton had exceeded the maximum loss limit of £105million by £16.6m during that latter period, issuing a further two-point deduction, which the club pledged to appeal.
However, Everton have since secured safety with relative ease, winning four straight home games against Burnley, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Brentford last month.
They now sit 11 points clear of the bottom three with just two games remaining ahead of Saturday's meeting with already-relegated Sheffield United.
Having seen Forest fail in an attempt to overturn or reduce a four-point penalty for their breach, Everton have opted to let their punishment stand.
In a statement, the club said: "Everton Football Club has withdrawn its appeal of the decision by a Premier League independent commission to impose a two-point penalty for a breach of profit and sustainability rules for the accounting period ending in June 2023.
"A hearing, scheduled for later this month, will now not proceed and the club will conclude the 2023-24 season with the two-point deduction remaining in place."
While Everton have confirmed their top-flight status for next season, uncertainty continues to surround the club, with a prospective takeover by Miami-based investment group 777 Partners yet to be ratified, despite the deal being agreed in September.
The Everton Shareholders' Association (EFCSA) has called for majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri to cancel the deal amid continued doubts regarding 777's ability to fund the club.
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