Brighton & Hove Albion

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brighton and Newcastle.

Here are some of your comments:

Brighton fans

Tony: It was a scrappy game but we defended well and fought hard for a well-deserved win. With a bit more finesse and better decision-making we could have won by more.

Richard: It was the best performance of the season - a really hard-fought win. We seemed to want the second ball more than recent games and those fine margins made the difference.

Hayling: Some fans have criticised Lewis Dunk this season, but he was immense - at least three superb tackles when he was left as the last man and he handled Nick Woltemede better than Jan Paul van Hecke. Just a shame we couldn't keep the clean sheet against a side who hadn't scored away from home before Saturday.

Newcastle fans

Sean: Fed up of poor performances at Brighton - the same every season. Toothless once again in attack. Anthony Elanga just hasn't got going. Showed much more attacking intent with Jacob Murphy's directness in the second half. Defensive solidity seems to be the base for us this season, yet both goals were poor to concede. Need a good reaction at St James' Park on Tuesday before a kinder run of league fixtures.

Paul: A really poor performance. Misplaced passes, losing multiple 50/50s. All across the park we didn't seem ourselves and, despite a lot of effort, we just were way below the levels needed.

John: Whatever the reason, the performance seemed adversely affected by the international break. Bruno Guimaraes missed a couple of good chances to score. Joelinton was lethargic and made mistakes so Eddie Howe removed him at half-time. Anthony Gordon had none of his England sparkle and Elanga hardly contributed. Woltemade was the exception, but when three or four other key players are off form, the Premier League is a very tough league.

Image source, Getty Images

Danny Welbeck's double against Newcastle stole the headlines at Amex Stadium on Saturday, but the 34 year-old did not forget about the defensive contributions of fellow attacker Georginio Rutter in the 2-1 victory.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex about when Rutter ran back from the forward line to make a tackle, Welbeck said: "It's something that we massively appreciate as a team [about him]. Maybe it's something that the fans don't see or take notice of, because it doesn't go down as a goal or an assist.

"Those sort of things that he does puts us in a position to go on and win games. It sets the tone for the rest of the team. He was incredible.

"It was a tough battle against a tough side. We had to try to nullify their threat and the whole backline was very good, along with the rest of the team as a defensive unit."

Hear more from Welbeck on BBC Sounds

Pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Manchester City 2-0 Everton

• Crystal Palace 3-3 Bournemouth

• Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

This Brighton side never give up.

Not only when they go behind – having clawed back more points from losing positions than any other Premier League team since Fabian Hurzeler took charge – but, also, when conceding a late equaliser.

Brighton could have folded or tried to see the game out as Newcastle pushed for a winner.

But the hosts broke forward and struck a decisive blow late on when Danny Welbeck pounced on a loose ball to send Brighton fans wild after Mats Wieffer's initial shot was blocked by Dan Burn.

Welbeck may be 34, but the forward is showing no signs of slowing down.

The former England international has now scored four goals in his last three games, against Champions League opposition in Newcastle and Chelsea.

This winner sent Brighton up to ninth and Hurzeler's side have now defeated Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester City this season - and taken a point off Spurs.

No-one is going to enjoy coming to the Amex in the coming months.

• Listen to Welbeck's full-time interview with BBC Radio Sussex on BBC Sounds

Fabian Hurzeler spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Brighton's victory against Newcastle: "I never thought we would lose it, so I have the biggest belief in my team. We showed resilience, character and personality.

"We kept the structure quite well and I'm really pleased. The key thing was a good structure and being patient, so don't force it. Have different patterns in the final third. I thought we had a good variation, a good flexibility. I was pleased. Overall, in possession, it was really good.

On Danny Welbeck: "It was impressive. I focused on how he was without the ball. He made the recovery runs. If the team plays well, then the individuals will shine."

Welbeck also spoke to MOTD after Saturday's victory: "It was a very good win and it was very important for us. We've had some results where we've been pushing and not quite got there. We've been ahead here at home and have not got the three points. It was a test of our character today.

"We were well in control. Some good football and they nicked a goal. Once that happened, they got some momentum. It' good for us to see the progression.

"It was a good finish, I was happy with that. There's always that possibility the ball can fall your way. I was wondering if it could fall nicely for me and it did and I stuck it away.

"I love it. I have the passion and love for football. It's what I want to do. I feel good. I feel strong and fit so I won't be stopping soon.

On playing into his 40s: "I'm not looking that far ahead. I'm just enjoying my football and feeling strong. I'm enjoying the present."

• Listen to Hurzeler's full-time interview with BBC Radio Sussex on BBC Sounds

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Brighton's performance

What did you learn from Newcastle's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Brighton make one change as Georginio Rutter comes in for the injured Brajan Gruda.

Diego Gomez is fit to start after shaking off a muscle issue as Brighton look to maintain their impressive home record against Newcastle.

Fabian Hurzeler's side have never lost versus the visitors in the Premier League at the Amex.

Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Wieffer, Dunk, van Hecke, Kadioglu, Ayari, Gomez, Baleba, Minteh, Welbeck, Georginio

Subs: Steele, Tzimas, Watson, Kostoulas, Milner, Boscagli, De Cuyper, Coppola, Oriola

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has named an unchanged side after Joelinton was passed fit to start against Brighton.

Joelinton returned from international Brazil with a slight groin issue, but the midfielder lines up from the off at the Amex.

Howe has stuck with the same XI who defeated Nottingham Forest and Union Saint-Gilloise before the international break.

Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon

Subs: Ramsdale, Schar, Barnes, Krafth, Osula, Murphy, Willock, Ramsey, Miley

There are seven games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Nottingham Forest v Chelsea (12:30)

• Brighton v Newcastle

• Burnley v Leeds United

• Crystal Palace v Bournemouth

• Man City v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Sunderland v Wolves - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Fulham v Arsenal (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Fulham v Arsenal", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

I was impressed by Newcastle when I watched them against Nottingham Forest. Their midfield is so powerful, and they have got good options out wide.

I don't think they will start firing properly up front until Yoane Wissa is fit to help Nick Woltemade but, defensively, they look pretty solid and that has been backed up by their results on the road.

Newcastle have drawn all three of their away games in the league this season, without scoring or conceding.

The goals will come, but I don't see them as having enough to beat a Brighton team who always look dangerous even when they are not playing that well.

The Seagulls have drawn two out of three at home so far, so I guess this has got a draw written all over it too.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

Comeback kings Brighton take on a Newcastle side with more Premier League clean sheets than anyone else this season. BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Saturday's match.

Jan Paul van Hecke's late equaliser salvaged a point for Brighton away at Wolves in their last game, maintaining the Seagulls' formidable record of coming from behind under Fabian Hurzeler.

Since the German's appointment in June 2024, Albion have gained 30 points from losing positions, at least four more than any other Premier League side.

Hurzeler called the display at Molineux "a good performance but not a great performance", adding "we can play better football but are not machines".

There is certainly room for improvement at the back. Brighton are one of only three teams still awaiting a first Premier League clean sheet of the season and have shut out the opposition just once in their past 19 top-flight games.

They do have an excellent record at home to Newcastle, having avoided defeat in all eight of their Premier League home matches against the Magpies. However, given the visitors' strong defensive record, Albion will be keen to avoid playing catch-up again this weekend.

Miserly Magpies a tough nut to crack

The international break arguably came at the wrong time for Newcastle, who registered back-to-back wins for the first time this season by beating Union Saint-Gilloise and Nottingham Forest, scoring a total of six unanswered goals in those victories.

Goalscoring has been an issue for the Magpies, with only Forest and Wolves netting fewer so far in the Premier League. However, summer signing Nick Woltemade has made a strong start to life on Tyneside, scoring in each of the past three games, easing concerns about the impact of losing Alexander Isak to Liverpool.

Woltemade, 23, maintained that momentum by scoring his first senior international goal in Germany's win against Northern Ireland on Monday.

At the other end of the pitch, Newcastle have proved a tough nut to crack, keeping five clean sheets in seven Premier League matches. That is the joint-highest total in the top five European leagues, matching Lyon's total in Ligue 1.

It is all the more impressive given Eddie Howe has had to contend with several injuries to his rearguard. Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are not expected back until next month at the earliest, while Fabian Schar also missed time before returning as an unused substitute against Forest.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Newcastle (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Brajan Gruda is unavailable due to a knee injury and Diego Gomez will be assessed today after returning from international duty with a thigh injury.

• Karou Mitoma and Joel Veltman are "in training" but there is "still a question mark" over whether they will be available.

• Meanwhile, Solly March could return "by the end of the year" if there are no further issues with his rehabilitation. Hurzeler added: "He is doing well and progressing. I see him running on the pitch, which is always a positive. He seems to be in a good mood."

• On the number of injuries they have had already this campaign: "It is the same issue we had last season. You will never hear me complaining about these things because we try to find solutions. Some injuries at the moment are quite unlucky."

• The Albion manager said he had some time off to "refresh" during the international break because it's "important to reflect and analyse".

• More on the impact of the international break: "The national teams have a responsibility for how they send players back and unfortunately not every country behaves in the same professional way. We have to deal with it."

• He said to improving their performances and results will be decided by "small margins": "It's important to not overreact or get distracted if we concede a goal. It's about keeping the structure and energy and those things have dropped at times. It's about trusting your own quality and having belief that we are always capable of scoring goals."

• On opponents Newcastle: "They have an unbelievable offensive ability. They have amazing individual quality so we have to defend well as a team and stick together."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

In the final part of our Q&A with BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor, we talk about the form of Carlos Baleba and Kaoru Mitoma.

Alex asked: Do you think Baleba and Mitoma's drop-off in form is due to the loss of support from Pervis Estupinan sweeping forward to help, or an unbalanced/random midfield, with Yasin Ayari getting more game time?

Johnny answered: I think the issues are probably different for the two players.

Estupinan was certainly one of the most energetic Albion players of recent years and that cannot be underestimated. He had also played regularly behind Mitoma so the pair had struck up a really good partnership. It may take a little time for Maxim de Cuyper and midfielders to do the same.

Mitoma has not been quite at the levels of last season, but that may be down to injury niggles, and also opposition double up on him much more now.

Carlos Baleba seems unsettled but was inconsistent last season too. Some may suggest that he has been affected by reports linking him to a move to Manchester United, but that is over for the time being, so they need him to refocus and deliver.

I think there is a danger of people comparing him to Moises Caicedo. My feeling is he actually may be better playing further forward. Ayari will play regularly, but I don't see that as connected to the above.

Check over the Brighton page from Thursday to find more from Johnny's Q&A

Image source, Getty Images

In the second part of our Q&A with BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor, we have been discussing how Danny Welbeck should be used and who will be the side's top scorer.

Clive asked: Can you explain why Fabian Hurzeler doesn't like to play Welbeck as a super-sub? He plays so much better over the final 45 minutes.

Johnny answered: So far in the Premier League, Welbeck has started four matches and been a substitute in three games. It is always difficult to assess without seeing him train week-in and week-out, but I think the lack of other number nines is why he starts more games than maybe some expect.

I also think the opposition will be taken into consideration and whether that particular team suits a certain set-up. Hurzeler does talk about "finishers" like in rugby, but at the moment Welbeck is a key option from the start as well as the bench.

If Stefanos Tzimas develops, we may see Welbeck off the bench more as the season progresses.

Ed asked: Who do you think will be Brighton's top Premier League goalscorer this season and how many goals will they get? I would say either Diego Gomez or Brajan Gruda, what do you think?

Johnny answered: Well, Ed, as it stands at the moment, it could be anyone!

Only Danny Welbeck has two goals and they came as a substitute in the same game. The rest have one. I think with better decision-making in front of goal, Yankuba Minteh has a chance of delivering double figures.

One good thing is the team already has eight different goalscorers, so it is not reliant on just one player. Last season they had 18 and I expect the number this term to rise. Maybe Stefanos Tzimas could break into the team and get on a run.

However, I did once tip Chris O'Grady to be top scorer and that certainly did not come to fruition!

Return to the Brighton page later on Thursday for the final part of Johnny's Q&A where we he will be talking about Carlos Baleba's and Kaoru Mitoma's form

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton have confirmed that goalkeeper Jason Steele has extended his contract at the club until 2028.

The 35 year-old, who has made 60 appearances for the Seagulls, said: "The progress the club has made since I came to Brighton is incredible and hopefully I can complete 10 years with the club, which would be a fantastic achievement personally.

"I'm looking forward to playing my part in Brighton's future. Our ambition this season is to qualify for Europe again."

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler added: "I'm delighted Jason is going to be with us for the next few years. He is a big influence in the dressing room and he maintains high standards on and off the pitch every day. I am pleased he will be on the journey with us in the coming seasons."

Image source, Getty Images

In the first part of our Q&A with BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor, we have been focussing on Brighton's transfer strategy and the future of Eiran Cashin.

Eddie asked: What do you think about the club bringing in players that are not ready for the Premier League, surely a mix would be better?

Johnny: I think the club has brought in players at a variety of levels. Maxim de Cuyper has moved seamlessly into the Premier League, and previously Yankuba Minteh.

Not many people had heard of Bart Verbruggen when he arrived but he has developed into one of the world's best. Yes, there are several more developmental signings, but this is in line with the club's strategy over the past few years.

There is better value in younger talent and, too a certain extent, less risk compared to a reliance on more established, but more expensive additions. Having players like James Milner and even Olivier Boscagli as options gives a bit of experienced cover if required.

Raymond asked: What has happened to Eiran Cashin? We paid a big fee for him, he disappeared to Birmingham City and now nobody seems to want to mention him.

Johnny: The signing of Cashin always seemed a little odd to me but the player had been linked to the Albion for a long time before finally arriving, so they clearly rated him.

A back-up left-sided centre back was probably required but I'm not sure he was going to be able to cope with the pace of the Premier League. He clearly has talent and, although he is in and out at the moment, he may be a regular starter at Birmingham and could work well in the Championship.

I guess we should be careful to not assume too much as I heard the same thing when Dan Burn went out on loan straight after signing and look at him now, he is playing for England!

Come back to the Brighton page later on Thursday where Johnny will be answering questions Welbeck and who could be the club's top scorer this season.

In case you missed it, Brighton's owner Tony Bloom, has given a rare, wide-ranging interview discussing the club's journey, the challenges ahead, and his vision for the Seagulls' future.

From the continued growth of the club to navigating the demands of the Premier League, Bloom offers candid insight into what lies ahead for Brighton both on and off the pitch.

Catch the full conversation on the latest episode of the Albion Unlimited podcast, along with Johnny Cantor and read much of his comments below on the posts below.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up

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Brighton chairman and owner Tony Bloom sat down for an exclusive interview with BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor. In this final part, he talks about Albion's finances hat included discussions around the squad, finances and the Seagulls' future.

Bloom on competing financially in the Premier League: "The finances are really tough, clubs are spending more and more money.

"The net spend of our competitors just keeps going up. If you look at our net spend at Brighton &Hove Albion over the past five years compared to our rivals, we are spending a lot, lot less. Most clubs lose significant sums of money. We want to be a sustainable football club.

"We will have seasons where we lose a lot of money, as well as some seasons where we make a lot of money. But over a consistent time, if we stay in the Premier League, we will be sustainable and we will be profitable. But most of our rivals are not, so it is really tough to compete with that.

"For the very biggest clubs, their commercial and stadium revenues are so much bigger than ours. So we have significant obstacles to overcome, but we as a club and I as an individual, are happy to take on the competition."

On confidence of winning a trophy and getting back into Europe this season: "I don't think you can ever be confident of winning a trophy. We have not won a major trophy ever, so we don't want to get obsessed with it. We know how difficult it is.

"The latter stages of any cup competition are playing some of the best teams in the world, but we absolutely are aiming every season to be competitive, to be aiming to win cup competitions - and that is the men's and the women's teams.

"What is a bit more in our control is the league, the league form, the league position and, as I said before, our aim is to be playing in Europe. We loved playing in Europe a couple of seasons ago and we want to be regularly pushing for those European spots."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Find more from the interview by checking back over the Brighton page

Image source, _antonpalmer and @bailey_palmer7 on Instagram

Brighton have snapped up 16-year-old twins Anton Palmer and Bailey Palmer from Middlesbrough's academy, after fending off multiple other Premier League clubs to sign the young talents.

Writing on Instagram, external, the pair confirmed their decision to leave Riverside Stadium, after coming through the club's academy: "After eight years at Middlesbrough FC, we have made the decision to leave the club.

"We thank everyone involved in developing us into the players we are today. From the medical staff to the coaches, this club will forever be a part of us.

"We have made memories and friendships for life but it is now time for us to start a new journey."

The Palmer twins, both midfielders, are yet to make their senior debuts but did spend time around Middlesbrough's first team, and have featured on the bench.

Both will be eligible to sign their first professional deals when they turn 17 years old in November.

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton chairman and owner Tony Bloom sat down for an exclusive interview with BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor. In this third part, he looks on how Albion are conducting business amid the Premier League's financial restrictions.

On possible changes to profit and sustainability rules: "I think there is a vote coming up in the next few weeks to change that system.

"If it does get voted through, there would be a year having both systems and then it will be fully with the squad-cost ratio if it gets voted in. Which will be a lot more similar, but with differences, to the Uefa system.

"We are in the process of going through that. We don't have a view yet on which way we will be voting. There is also the top-to-bottom anchor and sustainability vote, so there is a lot for us to go through, but we will know a lot more and the votes will happen in the next month or so."

On the importance of the financial regulations: "It is really important, and there has to be some kind of financial sustainability.

"PSR has worked to an extent - it is far from perfect, but it has stopped clubs being able to spend whatever they want. No system is perfect. The advantage of the squad-cost ratio, is it is more real-time. It is looking over a season rather than looking backwards over a three-year period. But there are pros and cons to both."

On the biggest challenges the club face: "There are always obstacles - there is always difficulties. It is very difficult, first of all, for a club of our size to consistently punch above our weight and just to stay in the Premier League.

"You just need one season where things don't quite go right [and you are in trouble]. Three teams is a lot of teams to get relegated each season. When you look at it and think at least six of the teams really should not be anywhere close to ever being relegated - it doesn't mean they can't get relegated - it is not easy.

"We have to always be on top of our game, always be focused and not take anything for granted."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Find more from the interview by checking back over the Brighton page and come back later on Wednesday for our final instalment

Brighton have no plans to cash in on Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba in January despite the 21-year-old attracting interest from Manchester United last summer. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Even though it is the international break, there is still plenty to talk about at Brighton.

Do you have a burning question on a player's contract or form? Fabian Hurzeler's tactics? Or perhaps it is on expectations for this season?

BBC Radio Sussex Brighton reporter Johnny Cantor is here to help and he will be answering a selection of your questions later this week.

Get in touch with your question here