FORMER Albion favourite Michel Kuipers has praised the return of fans to the Amex.
Albion welcomed 8,000 fans back through the doors to the Amex stadium to witness a stunning victory over the newly crowned Champions, Manchester City.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, fans have not been at the Amex since December when 2,000 fans were allowed into the ground. Although they had to watch the 2-1 loss against Southampton.
Kuipers said: “It was great to see fans back at the Amex, it has been a difficult time during the pandemic, but it was a great evening with the 3-2 win, especially against a team like Manchester City.
“It was a game that obviously did not start in well, but the comeback and the win alongside the atmosphere the fans brought to the ground was amazing.”
After going 2-0 down to City, Albion staged a dramatic comeback scoring three goals in 26 second-half minutes. Leandro Trossard scored the first, followed by an Adam Webster equaliser.
Dan Burn proved to be the unlikely hero as he tucked away his first goal for Brighton and what would turn out to be the winner.
Kuipers said: “It was a reward for Dan Burn’s determination that he constantly shows when he plays for the Albion.
“The persistence that he showed when he took the second shot from the position, he was in was brilliant.”
The 41-year-old former goalkeeper also praised the current shot-stopper, Robert Sanchez, who has been in top form since coming into the team.
He said: “He [Sanchez] has continued to perform really well. He is having an outstanding season. He has been given the opportunity this season and he has taken it and showcased his ability.
“Sanchez’s performances have helped a lot in all the positive results that we have achieved this season.”
Kuipers was between the posts the last time Albion were victorious against the Citizens, 13 years ago in 2008. The Seagulls were in League One and pulled off a League Cup upset against Premier League giants Manchester City.
After a great performance in goal from Kuipers and goals from Glenn Murray and Joe Anyinsah, the game went to penalties.
He said: “I made a few crucial saves during the game and then I made the crucial fifth penalty save from Michael Ball which allowed us to progress into the next round.”
“It was a very special evening at the Withdean, it was great to beat a team like Man City, who had international superstars in their squad.”
The victory against Manchester City this week shows how far Albion have come as a club in total. Rather than playing in the lower leagues and at an athletics ground, the club is establishing themselves in the Premier League at the Amex Stadium.
Kuipers said: “When we beat Man City, it was a great opportunity for us to speak to the national press about the importance of our new stadium. At the time, all the questions were about the City game, but it was great to bring the Albion into the wider press.
“It shows the progress that the club has made since the last time we beat Manchester City, the development of the club and the squad has been fantastic.”
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