Albion's prospects of Premier League survival cannot be judged on their debut defeat by Manchester City.

That is the verdict from winger Anthony Knockaert on the 2-0 reverse against the title favourites at the Amex.

The Seagulls held out for 70 minutes before Sergio Aguero broke the deadlock for Pep Guardiola’s side and Lewis Dunk headed into his own net soon after.

Knockaert, who was waiting to be brought on when City went 2-0 up, told The Argus: “It’s not easy against teams like this. In one or two passes it can be a goal. It’s always difficult to judge what we did on the pitch.

“If we reflect on the game, the only disappointment was the result. We held them for 70 minutes and did everything we could to get a good result but it wasn’t to be.

“They are a massive team. Even though it was a friendly, they won 4-1 against Real Madrid. They are a big team in the world.

“They have amazing players like (David) Silva. That wasn’t the test we were waiting for. We need to get points against the teams who are going to be struggling with us if we are.”

Albion avoided further damage during Knockaert’s period on the pitch. The Frenchman, player of the season in the Championship, was on the bench after missing most of pre-season through injury.

“We’re disappointed,” he said. “We were in good shape for 70 minutes until they scored. After that the second goal came straight away.

“For our first game, especially against these kind of guys, we showed great character. It wasn’t easy but I can guarantee it won’t be like this every game.

“We know that we played against a team that are favourites for the title. For us it was important not to concede more than two, because after the two goals in a few minutes it was important to keep a good shape.

“Against that kind of opposition it’s important to keep the ball better. Their press was really high and really intense, so it was hard.

“It won’t be like this every game. We will have games with more possession and it will be up to us to do something better and try to find a way to score goals as well.”

Knockaert suffered ankle ligament damage in the opening friendly against Fortuna Dusseldorf in Austria last month and did not return until the final warm-up against Atletico Madrid.

Albion visit his old club Leicester on Saturday. “I’m feeling better and better,” he said. “I am coming back from an injury. Hopefully I will be ready to play. The manager knows I am always ready, so if he needs me I’ll be there.”