By Joe Bernstein for The Mail on Sunday
Published: 20:09 BST, 6 April 2019 | Updated: 20:09 BST, 6 April 2019
View
comments
At the age of 60, Chris Hughton's best chance of winning a trophy as manager may have just slipped by.
That will sadden many who admire his dignity and organisation skills. But when push came to shove the Brighton boss was unable to conjure up the bit of devilment that allowed Roberto Martinez to lead Wigan to an FA Cup Final triumph over the same opponents, Manchester City.
The comparison is apt. Hughton has many qualities that Martinez lacked; defensive structure among them. But Martinez gave his teams freedom, that's why he was chosen by Belgium to take Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku to a World Cup while Hughton was sacked by Newcastle because Mike Ashley felt the job was too big for him.
Chris Hughton's Brighton side were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Manchester City on Saturday
He was unable to conjure up the devilment that allowed Roberto Martinez to win the FA Cup
Hughton matched Pep Guardiola for sartorial elegance at Wembley – looking his normal composed, dapper self in a smart dark suit as he strayed as far out of the technical area as the officials would prohibit.
His Brighton underdogs didn't
