BOSS Chris Hughton believes Albion have no mental block away from home in the Premier League.

The Seagulls have not won on the road since their second victory at Swansea last November after losing to champions Manchester City.

Goals in each half by Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero sentenced them to a 2-0 defeat at the Etihad.

Hughton, below, said: “It doesn’t feel like an issue. Last season we got enough points at home. There’s the balance. We were very strong at home but not good away from home.

“For a team that’s just starting its second season in the division something has to give, otherwise if we are decent away from home and decent at home then we are probably somewhere in that top six.

“It’s not something we think about mentally and generally our approach is exactly the same.

“We wouldn’t be the only team that would be much better at home than away from home.”

Albion were denied the chance to halve their arrears late on when referee Lee Mason rejected appeals for handball in the box by Fernandinho as he tried to head away Beram Kayal’s corner.

Hughton said: “It clearly hit his arm. The argument that will come out will be was it intentional?

“No, it wasn’t intentional, but he has mistimed it and it has clearly hit his hand.

“There will be penalties this weekend and next weekend that will be given for that.

“When you come here you need every bit of luck you can and as much going for you as you can.

“And you never know, if it’s given and we score and get a lucky draw, so I am frustrated with that.”