MATHEW RYAN has accused Albion of going soft defensively.

The Seagulls conceded three goals in the home defeat by Burnley at the Amex, the most they have leaked at home in a game since Chelsea scored four against them 13 months ago.

Keeper Ryan told The Argus: "Defensively we were too soft. I think every goal that they scored or they seemed to create their chances with far too much ease.

"When you defend that way you don't give yourselves a chance.

"The next test now is to show a bit of character and bounce back from this. It happens to the best teams in the world, every team out there."

Albion threw away a 2-0 lead in a 4-2 defeat at Fulham and have now let in nine goals in four league games.

Aussie No.1 Ryan said: "As long as I've been here and long before that I know the defensive structure has been the focal point of the team, which gives us our identity.

"It has been the pattern all season. We've only kept five clean sheets all year. That's half the tally we had last year.

"There are still games to go but we are giving them away too easily at the moment. A bit of bad luck as well, Dunky slipping (first goal), me slipping on the third one and we turned the ball over far too cheaply on the second one. All of a sudden we are three on two at the back.

"It's just not good enough at this level and the teams in this league punish you."

Albion have lost their way at the Amex, winning one of their last seven matches in all competitions.

"It's the momentum of the league and how it goes sometimes," Ryan said. "One thing we've prided ourselves on is the strength of being at home and making the Amex a fortress.

"No doubt we will get back to our strengths and clean up the defensive side of things, be more stern at the back.

"The next one in the league is Leicester away (February 26) and it's going to be important showing a reaction there."