Alexis Mac Allisters insists it was great to reunite with Brighton and Hove Albion supporters for the first time since leaving in the summer, but admits he struggled in the draw with his former club Liverpool.
The 24-year-old left the AMEX in June in a £35m deal to join Liverpool. He began his return to the south coast on Sunday as two goals from Mohamed Salah drew the Reds 2-2. seagulls
Mac Allister was sent off in the first half after Virgil van Dijk’s loose pass led to Simon Adingra’s goal for Roberto De Zerbi’s side. That lead was short-lived until Salah fired twice in quick succession – one from the penalty spot – as Liverpool ended the first half.
But after substitute Ryan Gravenberch spurned a chance to double the visitors’ lead early in the second half, Mac Allister insists Lewis Dunk slotted home after 12 minutes was like watching Liverpool drop two points against a strong Brighton side.
“It was a very good game against a very good team. We almost won the game and then we couldn’t defend the game. All in all it was a good game and we feel like we lost two points. It’s a tie and then. us.” Go ahead,” Mac Allister told BBC Sport.
“We make mistakes. We are football players and things like this happen. The most important thing is how you react, I think the team reacted well. We came back and scored two goals. But like I say, we took the match and it’s just a point.
– We had a lot of good moments in the second half. They didn’t get the ball and that was good for us. They are a strong team, they play football and also counter attack.
“I don’t know if it was a fair [result]. Today I feel we lost two points, but you will see that from now on. They are a top team and some top clubs have dropped points here.”
After the match, Mac Allister could be seen enjoying a touching hug with De Zerbi, who he worked with at the Amex last season. Asked how he reacted to the reception he received on his first visit to the south coast, Mac Allister said: “It felt really good, I’m talking about the atmosphere and the reception from the fans.”
