Brighton’s Glenn Murray has defended Chuba Akpom after the Arsenal loanee got booed during his performance for the Seagulls against Blackburn Rovers at the weekend.

  • Chuba’s made 8 appearances for Brighton
  • The forward’s made 10 senior appearances for Arsenal
  • The 21-year-old’s also had loan spells at Brentford, Coventry, Nottingham Forest and Hull

Although Brighton beat Blackburn 1-0, Akpom struggled and was taken off early in the second half for Tomer Hemed.

Chuba is yet to play a full game for Brighton in the Championship and was left on the bench for their clash against Birmingham on Tuesday evening, which his loan side won 3-1.

Murray, who scored Brighton’s only goal against Blackburn, was less than impressed with the club’s fans after hearing the boos.

“The first half would have been difficult for anyone,” he said.

“It was that type of game, neither team wanted to give much and I didn’t think it really opened up second half either.

“It was just one of those games where just one chance and luckily that fell to us.

“I can’t see how people can get on his back and that’s exactly what we don’t want. Chuba was trying his best.

“I’m sure they wouldn’t have been on his back if he’d curled one in from 25 yards. It’s fickle in my eyes. We need everyone.”

Akpom’s been at Arsenal his entire career but, at the age of 21, he’ll have been hoping for slightly more consistent game time since this is his fifth loan spell.

The England youth international’s current Arsenal deal takes him up until 2019 but you have to imagine he’s weighing up his options.