Chris Hughton would surely allow the lads to let their hair down after this.
Brighton got back on track in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over West Ham United at the Amex Stadium. Shane Duffy was immense, yet again.
Glenn Murray grabbed the matchwinner but it was Brighton’s back four that really helped deliver three points for Hughton’s men.
At the heart of that defence was Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy, two absolute rocks.
The Brighton duo were both rewarded for their defensive solidity when the club confirmed they both had received five-year contracts. Both men immediately set back on showing the club they had made the right choice.
Dunki and Duffy did not give the Hammers midfield and forwards anything without a scrap and the Irishman led the way for interceptions and headed clearances. At one stage, in the space of 15 seconds, Duffy made two booming, headed clearances and hoofed another one high into the night sky.
.@OfficialBHAFC’s Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy today
3 points v West Ham ✅
23rd clean sheet in 73 starts together ✅
Signed new 5-year contracts ✅ pic.twitter.com/MQnWjBen4c— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) October 5, 2018
At the end of the game, on Sky, both Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher raved about the defensive duo. Neville had the task of deciding man of the match and hedged his bets by asking both men to share it. Class lad that he is, Duffy said Dunk deserved it.
At the end of the interview, Neville chipped in with a joke that the Derry native got a huge kick out of.
DUFFY: We have to take it game by game and if we stay honest, we’ll get back to the way we were.
NEVILLE: Are you out tonight lads?
DUFFY: I wish!!
Duffy will next be in action for Ireland in the Nations League games against Wales and Denmark. Dunk will hope to keep doing what he is doing so Gareth Southgate can’t but select him for England.
Top effort from Brighton’s Double D’s – Duffy and Dunk.
Here is more of the interview for you to enjoy:
4.30pm – Announce new five-year contracts 📝
9.50pm – Keep a first clean sheet of the season! ⛔
What a day for Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy, who speak to @KellyCates and @GNev2 after tonight's win! pic.twitter.com/GRFsJJuGBv
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 5, 2018
