Brighton are unbeaten so far in the Premier League this season – they have never remained without defeat in their first five games of a top-flight season, last doing so in any division in the 2015-16 Championship season.
Nottingham Forest have an equal record to their hosts, winning two and drawing two so far this season. The last time they opened a season without defeat in their first five games was in the 2018-19 season in the Championship. In the top flight, it has not happened since the 1995-96 season.
'Players need to be listened to'published at 08:05 20 September
08:05 20 September
Image source, Getty Images
The issue around the footballing calendar and the demands being placed on players right now is a difficult one.
First, we need to take into consideration the really high demands on the body that go on all-year round with few breaks, especially for international footballers and those in teams competing on multiple fronts.
I know the men's and the women's games are different, but we got exposed to these issues when we went from amateur to professional. There was a lot of loading, a lot of games and the result of that was a higher risk of injury and we have seen a lot of anterior cruciate ligament injuries now in the women's game.
From the fans' side, their point is often that players get paid a lot of money but I think that is irrelevant. That is just the industry players are in and, if you take out the money, they are still human beings.
The governing bodies need to look at who they consult with about changes in the calendar such as World Cups being held in winter and summers where there is just a couple of weeks off before going straight back into it. The changes and fixtures that are put in are there to generate more money, which makes it difficult. As a business, it is about money.
We talk about mental health a lot and you wonder, where is the time to switch off and have that time away from playing? To have that family time which is a deep human need? At some point mentally, if not physically, it will take its toll.
None of us want to see players striking, but players need to be listened to. What do they need to do to make change happen?
Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson
Gossip: 'Next Haaland' attracts English clubspublished at 07:05 20 September
07:05 20 September
Newcastle are monitoring 18-year-old Norwegian forward Sindre Walle Egeli, dubbed the next Erling Haaland, with West Ham, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Brentford also interested in the £25m-rated teenager. (Daily Mail), external
Brighton 3-2 Wolves - the fans' verdictpublished at 09:08 19 September
09:08 19 September
Image source, PA Media
We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Carabao Cup game between Brighton and Wolves.
Here are some of your comments:
Brighton fans
Kev: Another performance that highlights what we are and where we are at. We are an exciting work in progress. Lots of new faces under a young manager, with the highlight again being Carlos Baleba. He is another player off the Bloom production line who looks destined for a great career. Winning when you're still finding your new identity is very encouraging. Roberto de Zerbi who?
Hugh: There is so much talent going forward. Baleba is so composed, powerful and confident. Adingra is so gifted. Ferguson looks like he is getting back to his best. We are a bit shaky at the back, but I think that can be put down to the lack of minutes together? At least I hope so! Exciting times ahead. Hurzeler is still unbeaten and it is setting up to be a very interesting game on Sunday!
Phil: The overall passing from Brighton was amongst the worst I've seen in a long time. They gave away the ball so many times, including goalkeeper Steele who gifted Wolves their second goal with a touch that was never going to reach the Brighton defender. It was very surprising and disappointing for a Premier League side.
Peter: I thought we looked quite poor in defence to be honest and we were quite lucky to get through. We are still through though, so I suppose that's all that matters. I did think Baleba looked very good and he scored an absolute cracker. A nice cameo and goal for Ferdi too. But we have to tighten up the defence and please stop mucking about in the area!
Wolves fans
Steve: A battling performance from Wolves. Unfortunately, and as usual, it was only a battling performance and not a win. Maybe they will come good eventually - I hope it's not in the Championship next season though, but that is looking more and more likely. There doesn't seem to be much belief from the players. The talent is there, but is the belief?
Bob: O'Neil has to get rid of his obsession with playing four at the back. He needs to get the defence tight and organised. We have the cattle but no idea how to use them.
Luke: I said this team will be bottom by Christmas and it looks like I'll be proven right, unfortunately. The manager is the biggest problem.
Don: The club shouldn't have given a four-year contract to this inexperienced manager after last season's end run. It was a big mistake.
Miguel: We might be going through a period of bad results but we should look at laying the blame on the players that are being picked to play and then the manager. If I was on the board, I would suggest that the club puts O'Neil on probation for the next few matches and, if things don't improve, then start looking for a replacement. I would maybe look at Gareth Southgate.
'I don't think other teams are happy to play against us'published at 08:02 19 September
08:02 19 September
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton goalscorer Ferdi Kadioglu has been speaking to BBC Radio Sussex following the Seagulls' Carabao Cup third round win: "A very special moment for me. It was my first goal for my new club in my second match. We go into the next round so I'm very happy.
"The other two goals were very nice - mine was not so nice but it was just as important as the other goals.
"We controlled the first half very well and got 2-0 in front. They didn't create that many chances so their first goal was really not necessary. In the second half, I think it was a good game from us but, at 3-1 up, we have to control it better.
"We don't need to take so many risks in the build-up and with the ball, but we will learn from that and we have to be ready for Sunday now."
On the importance of continuing their unbeaten run: "It is very important. I don't think other teams are happy to play against Brighton [at the minute]."
On getting more minutes after returning from the injury he picked up in pre-season: "It was really frustrating for myself [to be injured]. I played 60 games last season so I'm not used to being injured.
"After the game against Ipswich, I didn't feel really well so I wasn't able to play a lot of minutes in this game - but 10 minutes and one goal is not bad!"
Hurzeler on 'learning' from games, Ferguson's return and Joao Pedropublished at 07:38 19 September
07:38 19 September
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to BBC Radio Sussex after his side progressed to the next round of the Carabao Cup: "I thought we started really good in the game. We controlled the game, were leading 2-0, then they got a silly goal. We have to learn from these moments.
"In the second half, Wolves tried everything to score a second goal. They had chances where we didn't defend well enough. We also made two easy mistakes in the build-up [for their second goal] but, after our third goal, the game was over.
"We have to learn a lot of things about how to win a game like this, therefore we tried to focus on the process. I love to learn from games like this because you learn a lot of things about the individual players and also the team performance."
On rotating his side and getting the opportunity to see new players on the pitch: "You have to mention that it is not easy to come in for a cup game if you don't play regularly. It is immediately competition time, so to make the switch is not as easy as it might seem from the outside.
"But I know that I have great potential in the squad. I have a very young team. In the end, I'm very happy that Mats Wieffer collected some game time, there was a great performance from Simon [Adingra], and Evan [Ferguson] is back."
On Evan Ferguson getting his first start since March: "I've seen in training that he can be an unbelievable goalscorer. I think that is exactly what every team is looking for. On top of that, he works very well against the ball.
"We will try to get him as fit as possible now. He came back from a long injury, so we have to take care of him. I'm very happy that he is back. He has an impact on the team and he tries to do well every day."
On Joao Pedro's fitness: "He made a training session today [Wednesday] but we didn't want to risk him for this game. Let's see how the next few days will be."
Brighton 3-2 Wolves: Baleba impressespublished at 22:12 18 September
22:12 18 September
Charlotte Coates BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton may only be six games into the new season but have they already unearthed their latest star?
Carlos Baleba's all action display in the Carabao Cup third round victory over fellow Premier League side Wolves was impressive to say the least.
The midfielder set the tone in the entertaining encounter with his brilliant strike into the bottom corner from outside the box in the first half.
Baleba, 20, made 27 appearances for Brighton last season but looks to be stepping up even more this campaign.
He may be a defensive midfielder but Baleba is well capable of picking up the ball and surging up the field with it in order to create attacks for his side - as he proved in the win over Wolves.
It may not be too far fetched to think of Baleba in a similar mould to Moises Caicedo - who of course left Brighton to for Chelsea in a British record £115 million deal.
Liverpool are well known to be eyeing a move for a midfielder and were one of the club's in for Caicedo so could they be considering a future move for Baleba?
Only time will tell but do not be surprised to see Baleba's stock continue to rise.
Brighton 3-2 Wolves - send us your thoughtspublished at 21:43 18 September
Hurzeler on Pedro's fitness, trusting his squad and 'wanting to win titles'published at 11:11 17 September
11:11 17 September
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup third-round tie at home against Wolves (19:45 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Joao Pedro's fitness will be assessed after training on Tuesday after he missed Saturday's draw with Ipswich: "We don't want to take risks."
Mats Wiefer "will be an option" and Brajan Gruda is "still in rehab training" but "making big improvements".
Hurzeler said there "won't be 11 changes" to his starting line-up like there was in the second round against Crawley and it will be a "mix" of rotation with players who featured on Saturday.
On striker Evan Ferguson, who has not started for Brighton since March: "He doesn't have to show me what he can do because I know what his potential is. He has the full package for a striker. It is important he integrates in our style of play and follows our principles."
He sees the Carabao Cup as a route to silverware: "Cups are competitions where you can win titles and I want to win titles, the club wants to win titles and the players want to win titles. It is a chance for us. I take this game very seriously."
On the challenge posed by Wolves: "They have great individual players. They have midfield players who can carry the ball. They have a good structure in possession and they have a good style of play. They will be a big challenge for us."
On opportunities for players who have not featured so far this season: "The players don't have to feel they have to impress me. It is important they prove to themselves they belong to the squad. I am completely convinced with all the players in my squad. I am completely trusting and believing in them."
Parking the bus - can Hurzeler crack it?published at 16:51 16 September
16:51 16 September
Scott McCarthy Fan writer
Why did Brighton draw nil-nil with Ipswich? There is an obvious and logical explanation. The curse of the Manager of the Month.
Albion head coaches have a long and proud history of winning the award and then seeing their team's form fall off a cliff faster than Barry from EastEnders after being pushed over the edge by Janine.
Chris Hughton was the last Brighton boss to be named Manager of the Month back in February 2018. The Albion were on a run of three wins and a draw when Hughton picked up the gong. Which was immediately followed by an eight game, two month long winless streak.
Fabian Hurzeler now faces the challenge of breaking the curse. He also needs to find a way to help Brighton overcome sides who come to the Amex and set up ultra-defensively.
Non-believers in witchcraft might even say it is a bigger issue for Hurzeler than the curse, seeing as neither Graham Potter nor Roberto de Zerbi were able to overcome the defensive opposition.
The Albion under Potter were the Premier League’s Kings of xG (expected goals). While De Zerbi delivered far more goals and entertainment, his team too struggled to break through a low block.
Fulham, Sheffield United, Burnley, Wolves and Everton all left Sussex with something to show for their efforts last season having sat back and invited Brighton to crack their defences.
If the Albion want to challenge for Europe again this season, those are the games- and Ipswich at home is in that category, that the Seagulls need to be winning in 2024-25.
Hurzeler has already shown signs that he could be a very special manager. Do what his two predecessors couldn’t, and find a way to defeat opponents who park the bus, and he will be on his way to greatness.
'The Premier League experience is different with Brighton'published at 10:36 16 September
10:36 16 September
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton forward Georginio Rutter spoke to BBC Radio Sussex after making his full debut against Ipswich:
"It was important for my confidence to start, I enjoyed it. We are disappointed with the game, but we are still unbeaten and we have to take the positives. I enjoyed playing more [in front of the home crowd].
On settling into the club: "I know people speak about the price, but I just try to forget about the price and enjoy my football.
"The manager, all of the staff and all of the players know there is a bit of adaptation. It was a warm welcome when I came.
"Carlos Baleba [is helping him settle in], is a very good player, I speak with him and Simon [Adingra] as well, we speak French. I'm trying to improve my English and I speak with everyone."
On the step up to the Premier League: "When I was with Leeds, the Premier League was different. I didn't play a lot and it maybe wasn't a good moment for me. Now it's different. We have a good team and good atmosphere."
Brighton 0-0 Ipswich - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:05 16 September
08:05 16 September
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brighton and Ipswich.
Here are some of your comments:
Brighton fans
Jonny: A really frustrating afternoon and a disappointing result against a team that still plays a League One style of football. I think we dodged a bullet not getting McKenna! No more direct free-kicks from Dunk please - it’s embarrassing! On a positive note, Baleba was exceptional again and Ferguson looked sharp. Hopefully Joao Pedro is back for the Nottingham Forest game...
Steve: Dominant and dynamic, but couldn't make that telling last pass in the final third. When this team has all the injured players available they will be a real force. Never looked like losing, and should have gained three points.
Bob: Usual stuff from us - loads of possession with little result in the way of goals. We lack a centre-forward who can challenge the opposition defence. No bite. Still, a point gained - but also two lost. Too many passes.
Ipswich fans
Archie: To a man, we defended excellently throughout. Struggled on the ball in the first half but grew into the game after the break. Plaudits will rightly go to Muric but Tuanzebe was just as good, having arguably his best game in a Town shirt. A great point away from home against a really strong side. That first win is coming...
Andy: I had a feeling we’d get something from this game. A point away at Brighton is a fantastic result. Confidence will be growing in the Ipswich camp as the players get more and more comfortable with each other and the Premier League.
Simon: Very resilient performance with Phillips looking decent and Muric was really solid. Hutchinson looked like he was trying too hard but he was lively. We're very combative with some attacking threat, especially when we bring the subs on later. We will stay up.
Catch up on the Premier League actionpublished at 13:54 15 September
13:54 15 September
Gary Linker brings you highlights and analysis from Saturday's eight Premier League fixtures.
Brighton 0-0 Ipswich: Joao Pedro reputation grows in his absencepublished at 18:28 14 September
18:28 14 September
Sam Drury BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Reuters
It has been said that a player is never more highly thought of than when they are unavailable.
Joao Pedro has done a very good job of enhancing his reputation while he has been on the pitch this season but, as Brighton struggled to find a way past Ipswich, it grew that bit more.
Brighton played well for the most part and manager Fabian Hurzeler was adamant that they had created enough to win the match.
But the only clear cut chances came in the same passage of play in the first half when Georginio Rutter and then Kaoru Mitoma were thwarted by Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.
Beyond that, there were little more than half chances with a number of encouraging moves breaking down at the crucial moment due to a heavy touch or pass slightly behind an onrushing team-mate.
Yankuba Minteh looked a threat, particularly in the first half, while midfield pair Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari had moments of real quality.
Ultimately, though, when Brighton needed that moment of inspiration, a cool head and a quick mind to create that game-winning chance, they were found wanting.
That might still have been the case with Joao Pedro on the pitch but the Seagulls will be left with the nagging feeling that a knock on international duty might have cost them two points.
32.2% of Brighton’s Premier League games have been drawn (87/270), the highest share of any side to have played in more than one campaign in the competition.
This was Brighton’s 27th goalless draw in the Premier League, three more than any other side since they were promoted in 2017.
Image source, Getty Images
