Premier League survival is more important than FA Cup glory, admits Brighton striker Glenn Murray

Premier League survival is more important than FA Cup glory, admits Brighton striker Glenn Murray
Brighton striker Glenn Murray has revealed the club would rather stay in the Premier League than win the FA Cup.The Seagulls face Manchester City at Wembley in the semi-finals after a miraculous comeback victory over Millwall on Sunday.But despite their success in the Cup, they remain just five points clear of safety in the Premier League.Wigan famously won the FA Cup and got relegated in the same season back in 2013, but Murray has no doubt about which competition is the more important.4

Murray couldn’t watch as Brighton beat Millwall on penalties

When asked whether he would sacrifice the clubs Premier League status for an FA Cup winners medal, he told talkSPORT: No, not at all.It would be brilliant to have an FA Cup winners medal, but for the club to progress, its so important to stay in the Premier League.I really believe that this club is doing everything right on and off the field to remain a Premier League team for a long time. Brighton pulled off a miracle at The Den to recover from two-goals down with just two minutes of normal time remaining.Jurgen Locadioa swivelled to rifle home a stunning volley before Millwall goalkeeper David Martin let Solly Marchs free-kick slip through his hands right at the death.With the footballing Gods clearly on their side, Brighton went on the win the penalty shootout on sudden-death when Lions defender Jake Cooper fired over the bar.4

Murray blasted his penalty against the crossbar

It spared Murrays blushes after the 35-year-old smashed Brightons opening penalty against the crossbar, and he couldnt watch as Cooper stepped up for the decisive spot-kick.I turned my back on the third penalty and Matty [Ryan] saved it, he said. So after that I had to continue turning my back.While his team-mates ran off in jubilant celebrations, Murray consoled the heartbroken Millwall stars, and he explains why it felt like the right thing to do.

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That just came naturally, he added.I was nearly the one with my head in my hands after missing that first penalty, so I was on the doorstep of how they felt and I know quite a few of their boys.It can be a punishing game sometimes and they were on the wrong end of it yesterday.4

Murray’s despair turned into jubilation

The Seagulls must pull off something equally miraculous if they are to reach the final, with Pep Guardiolas quadruple-chasing Manchester City waiting for them in the semis.However, the Premier League champions were forced to recover from two goals down against Swansea in their quarter-final, and Sergio Aguero appeared to be offside when he netted the winner.Murray insists his team believe they can pull off one of the great Cup upsets.4

Murray showed his class

Youve got to beat the best if you want to win something like this, he continued.You never know in a cup game for 90 minutes, football is a funny game.The belief is there that we can do it.

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