Seagulls will show Connolly caution
Strikers are well known for showing their displeasure if they are substituted during a match.
Brighton’s Aaron Connolly and Liverpool’s Mo Salahwere both hauled off against their will during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at the Amex Stadium – and neither did much to hide their frustrations.
Connolly, 20, was replaced by Adam L allan a and had a face like thunder as he sat in the stands shaking his head and muttering under his breath.
Connolly played well during his intense 63 minute performance against the Premier League champions.
He pulled the makeshift Liverpool defence in all directions, won a penalty and worked well as part of a threepronged attack with Danny Welbeck, Neal Mau pay and then Leo Trossard.
But all that seemed to count for little as he left the pitch. Con nolly is a fierce competitor, his team were 1-0 down and he missed a golden chance in the first half as he placed an effort wide when one-v-one with Liverpool keeper Alisson.
It was Connolly’s first start in the Premier League since Albion’s loss at Everton on October 3 and his first start since sustaining a hamstring injury with Ireland during the previous international break.
“That’s Aaron,” said Albion head coach Graham Potter when asked about his striker’ s reaction to being hooked.
“I think he was a little frustrated he missed his chance in the first half and he wanted to stay on.”
“In the last three or four week she has had a bit of up and down stuff with his injury, with his hamstring. He was running around such a lot. I thought he had a really impactful hour and it’s a decision to maybe err on the side of caution with him.”