Brighton & Hove Albion

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Brighton took three points on Monday by beating Premier League champions Liverpool 3-2, keeping alive their chances of European football.

Mats Wieffer told BBC Radio Sussex: "It's really nice. I think in the first half after 15 minutes we dominated the game, we had more possession and a couple of good chances.

"I think in the second half, we kept on pushing and the substitutes that came on did a good job and in the end we got it over the line. We've struggled at some points this season to get it over the line. We prevented them from making it 3-3, which we've had a problem doing this season. Amazing three points for us."

On his first season with Brighton: "It's been a hard season for me. I came with a quad injury and was out for a long time, then I played the first game and got injured. I never got in the rhythm and now I am really fit and have got used to the intensity.

"I've played in good leagues, Champions League and European football, but this is something else. I don't play in my natural position, but I try to play my best football if possible. It's going well at the moment."

On it being the second highest finish for Brighton: "Everyone wants to play European football. It's still possible.

"I think in the end, it's a good position especially because it's the second highest Brighton's ever achieved. We hope to play European football, for sure."

Listen to more from Wieffer on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your thoughts after Monday's Premier League game between Brighton and Liverpool.

Here are some of your comments:

Brighton fans

Callum: Huge performance! Everyone played their part. I think a really big shoutout should go to 17-year-old Harry Howell, who came on at a pretty nervy point of the game and held on remarkably, even nearly getting an assist. Fingers crossed results go our way for Europe.

Glyn: Brajan Gruda grew into a special player. He will be immense next season.

Oli: So impressive from that young midfield three of Yasin Ayari, Simon Adingra and Gruda over the past few weeks. Adingra looks revitalised after having a tough season. I think we are all very eager to see what they can produce next season especially if, fingers crossed, it's in Europe!

Liverpool fans

Ian: I know we wrapped up the league two weeks ago, but this is getting embarrassing. Slot should realise people pay their hard-earned cash to watch games. We should be sending a message to the other teams by putting out the strongest team and beating these sides. I just hope the performance on Sunday is a much-improved one. I don't want it to spoil the celebrations with another defeat.

Wayne: Below-par performance yet again, this is the worst team to have won the Premier League title. I would be very surprised if we even qualify for the Champions League next season.

Shaun: Going off that game, we need seven or eight new players for next season. The back-up boys just aren't good enough. The past few games Harvey Elliott has played he has gone backwards, the same with Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah. Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate also had mares.

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Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "There have been a lot of highs and lows throughout the season. It is important you don't overreact and it is important to stay grounded and humble because there is still one game to go. But I'm really proud of the team.

"It's not only about playing a football game and the tactical side but it's about the mental side too. We only can be successful if you stick together and we proved that so we are very happy.

"The players changed the intensity on the pitch. They used the goal as the wake-up signal. Liverpool were impressive in the first 20 minutes but I was happy with the reaction."

On Brajan Gruda's performance: "That was his best game, yes. It's important to understand that behind the player is a person and it's a very young person. He comes from a different country and he's away from his family. He never gave up and always tried to improve in training and showed character. He gets the reward for all his hard work."

On 17-year-old Harry Howell: "It's a special player for his young age. I always give young players the chance because it's not about your age if you're good enough.

"Everyone knows their role, if you're a sub then you can come into the game. You always have to be ready to have an impact on it."

Did you know?

• Brighton have come back to win three Premier League games this season when trailing at half-time, with only Fulham doing so more often (five).

Listen to more from Hurzeler on BBC Sounds

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

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Brighton go into the final day of the Premier League season still in contention to qualify for European football for only the second time in their history.

A superb 3-2 win over champions Liverpool, in which the Seagulls fought back from 1-0 and 2-1 down, took Fabian Hurzeler's side eighth in the Premier League.

However, they need to win at Tottenham on Sunday and hope results go in their favour, with Brighton needing Chelsea to lose to Nottingham Forest on Sunday and then for Enzo Maresca's side to win the Conference League final against Real Betis on 28 May.

If those things happen, Brighton will be again in European competition after reaching the last-16 of the Europa League in the 2023-24 campaign.

Against Liverpool, the hosts were the better team in the second half and credit must go to Hurzeler as his substitutions proved key, with Kaoru Mitoma scoring within five minutes of his introduction and Jack Hinshelwood netting 78 seconds after coming on when he headed in from a cross from Matt O'Riley, another sub.

That 85th-minute winning goal from Hinshelwood was the fourth quickest by a substitute in the Premier League this season after he came on with his 17-year-old cousin Henry Howell, who became the youngest Brighton player.

Were you at the game or following it elsewhere?

Brighton fans, what did you think of your performance?

Have your say on Liverpool's display

Come back to this page on Tuesday to find a selection of your replies

Scott McCarthy
Fan writer

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How was your Saturday? Mine was lovely. I spent it taking down the back section of my garden fence.

At 4.30 pm, I drove to the tip and disposed of all the old wood. Back home at 5.30pm. Showered. Went to the pub at 6pm (one without a television) for a couple of pints after a hard day's graft.

All of which meant I did not see a second of the FA Cup final. Which was just as well, based on the head loss Crystal Palace winning caused amongst many Brighton supporters.

Ever since Albion reached the Premier League, it has felt like we are the club with the better long-term prospects. Better stadium. Better training ground. Better transfer and recruitment model. A better owner willing to invest. But Palace have now won a major piece of silverware. Something Brighton are yet to do.

Decision-makers at the Albion love their reputation as 'The Best Run Club in the Premier League'. They proudly talk about how much money they have made in the transfer market.

All of which is great. But then you see (or in my case, don't) Palace make history. On the grass rather than a spreadsheet. Which ultimately is what being a supporter is all about.

No fan gets into football to chant "Record profit for a Premier League club, you'll never sing that". We do it for memories made on the pitch.

What makes seeing Palace win the FA Cup particularly painful is that their ride to glory has coincided with Brighton's season falling apart.

Entering the final week of March, the Albion had a winnable FA Cup quarter-final tie and were in the race for a top-five finish. A special campaign could have been on the cards.

But instead of Champions League or Wembley glory, we only have being sustainable and well-run to show for the season.

No bad thing, of course. Maybe it is pure greed to want a trophy on top of that? But I would give anything to see Brighton win the FA Cup. Rather than spending the final day with an old fence.

Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external

It's so hard to make a prediction for this game because I have no idea what the Liverpool line-up will look like, or what their mindset will be.

Arne Slot's side will lift the Premier League trophy at Anfield after their final game of the season against Crystal Palace next weekend. Their work is done, and they have got that party to look forward to, so how focused will they be here?

As things stand, Brighton do have something to play for because eighth place will get them in the Europa Conference League, if Manchester City win the FA Cup.

The Seagulls played really well at Wolves last week, and fully deserved their win.

They gave Liverpool a good game at Anfield earlier in the season, when they led 1-0 at half-time but lost 2-1, and if Slot picks a weakened team then they are good enough to take advantage.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Before this season, Crystal Palace's victory at Wembley would have tidied up the European qualification position within the Premier League.

However, England gaining a coveted European Performance Spot has added a layer of complication, which is why Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth and Fulham fans should not give up hope of a Conference League place just yet.

Here is why.

Ordinarily, England gets four Champions League places, two in the Europa League, for the FA Cup winners and the fifth placed team and one in the Conference League for the Carabao Cup winners.

So far, so straightforward.

If the Carabao Cup winners qualify for one of the higher ranking European competitions, the Conference League spot goes to the next team down in the Premier League.

Just as Manchester United or Tottenham will qualify for the Champions League because one of them will win the Europa League after finishing outside the Champions League places, the same is also true for Chelsea if they win the Conference League and finish outside the Europa League places.

Still with me?

The complication comes through EPS. So, while fifth now gets you into the Champions League and sixth into the Europa League, for the purposes of competition qualification, the EPS situation doesn't count.

So, if Chelsea finish sixth and win the Conference League, without EPS, they would already be in the Conference League berth, so they go into the Europa League as Conference League winners and England would not take its Conference League place. With EPS added, instead of the sixth-placed team (Chelsea) qualifying for the Europa League through their league placing, because they are already in, the seventh-placed team benefits. So that would be three English teams in the Europa League and none in the Conference League.

By the same process, if Chelsea finish seventh and win the Conference League, without EPS, they would qualify for the Europa League despite being outside the European places, meaning three English teams in the Europa League – Chelsea, Palace and the fifth placed team – and one – the sixth-placed team – in the Conference League. With EPS added, everything drops down a place BUT as Chelsea are already in the Europa League, instead of the Conference League spot going to them after finishing seventh, it goes to the eighth placed team.

In other words, the teams battling for eighth need Chelsea to win the Conference League and to finish seventh.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Liverpool (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Lewis Dunk and Igor Julio are set to return and Joao Pedro is also available again after serving his suspension.

• Kaoru Mitoma "has a minor issue" but Hurzeler is hopeful he will still be in contention for Monday's game. Georginio Rutter "is also very close" to returning so may make the final game of the season.

• James Milner "is doing rehab on the pitch, so he is getting closer" but Hurzeler is unsure whether he will be fit enough before the season ends.

• On Pedro being nominated for Premier League young player of the season: "We always try to push young players and give them the platform and stage to improve, play and be allowed to make mistakes. It's not just an award for the individual player but for the whole club and the way Brighton is working."

• He said Brajan Gruda, who scored against Wolves last weekend, "had a lot of positive actions" in that game and was given the opportunity based on his work ethic in training.

• On Liverpool having some rest days and Arne Slot being spotted on holiday: "I am not focusing on them. They deserve it as they won the Premier League in an impressive way. It is not our responsibility to comment on that but to be ready and play a high intensity game against high individual quality."

• As the race for European football goes down to the wire, he said: "We really want to compete with the best and chase them."

• Reflecting on this season: "I am very grateful for working with this team because they are all great characters and have intrinsic motivation to improve. But I am also grateful to the staff as they built the environment and foundation for me to build on. It is crucial the togetherness and team spirit."

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

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In addition to Premier League manager and player of the season, the shortlist for young player has also been announced.

Chelsea's Cole Palmer is in the running to win the award for the second year in a row.

The 23-year-old forward has 15 goals and eight assists in 35 appearances.

Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch and Liam Delap, who has scored 12 of Ipswich's 35 goals, are also on the eight-player shortlist.

The other nominees are Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest), Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth), Joao Pedro (Brighton), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), and William Saliba (Arsenal).

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Brighton's win over Wolves left them firmly in the race for European football with two games to spare.

Albion, along with Brentford and Bournemouth, and to a lesser extent Fulham, are all vying for eighth spot which might be enough.

Argus journalist Brian Owen, who joined BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor on the Albion Unlimited podcast said there is less enthusiasm than in recent seasons when pushing to secure European football.

"I don't sense a great deal of excitement about the possibility of making it to Europe," he said.

"I don't know if it's because their form has been up and down. I don't know if it's because they've been there before and it was Europa League and this could be Conference League or because the team that can snatch it up is Crystal Palace [if they win the FA Cup final].

"I don't know what is, but I don't sense excitement for a European push like there was two years ago, but we still think they're in for a chance."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Brighton midfielder Jack Hinshelwood believes young teammate and cousin Harry Howell has a "lot more rewards" to come at the club.

17-year-old Howell was once again named in the matchday squad for Brighton against Wolves, however, he is yet to feature from the bench.

Not only is Hinshelwood a teammate, but he is also the cousin of Howell, who was recently named in the England Under-17's squad for U17 EURO Finals.

Speaking to Albion Unlimited about Howell's involvement in the first team squad, Hinshelwood said: "It's very nice. He's been training really well and impressing the right people.

"At the same time he's working really hard which I think is the main thing. He's been rewarded by getting on the bench, and I think if he keeps going there's lots more rewards for him.

"When you make your first matchday squad there's so much added incentive. You want to be out on the pitch and it makes you give that little bit more in training.

"It can be a frustrating process, maybe you're missing out on game time because you're in the first team squad. It's important for him to stick at it, and that's all you can really ask.

"It's nice for him to be around. He's got great ability and a great attitude, as long as he keeps going he'll do very well."

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We asked for your views on whether you think James Milner's contract should be extended.

Here are some of your comments:

Jon: Brighton have placed great emphasis on senior players' roles off the pitch. And with our ever persistent injury crisis, experienced bodies are needed at crucial moments. All those things suggest a reasonable contract for a consummate pro at 40 is, at least, not outlandish…

David: I can think of a few games this season when game management in the last 10 minutes was terrible. With an experienced leader like Milner coming on for the last 10-15 minutes, his experience could have been vital. Off the pitch I'm sure he helps too. So I'm all for him signing up.

Nicola: Let him go. Give a chance to a youngster from the academy.

• Not a Brighton fan? Find and follow your club here

Steve: I feel Milner's body is telling him, enough is enough. Doesn't need anyone else to say it. By all means, keep him on the coaching staff but it is mega wages for a risky few outings.

Geoff: Milner is an experienced pro with a vast knowledge that he can call on to mentor the young players. If fit he would still be a valuable squad player and we have needed a player like him to bring off the bench this season on several occasions. If you're good enough, you're young enough.

Richard: You don't play for a top European side for nearly two decades without learning a tremendous amount about the game. We should embrace such an ambassador of the game to impart his knowledge and embrace our young players, many of whom will look up to such a player.

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Former Brighton forward Warren Aspinall says Danny Welbeck is "our precious gem" after the striker's latest goal helped Albion beat Wolves at the weekend.

With that strike, the 32-year-old reached double figures in the Premier League for the first time in his career.

Speaking on BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast, Aspinall said: "You have to take your hats off to the medical staff saying, 'Look this is our precious gem - we need to keep him polished'.

"He's a true professional on and off the pitch. He's great for the dressing room and great for the youngsters coming through.

"He's done very well with that penalty. He had to wait a long time."

BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor added: "I am delighted for him. He's a crucial player.

"He does so much work outside of the box in link-up play. He's got 14 goal involvements, 10 goals and four assists. That's only two behind Joao Pedro, who's got 10 goals and six assists and ahead of everyone else - Kaoru Mitoma is next with 12 and Minteh with 10.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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For the players and fans, Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi getting this injury in a situation where the offside flag should have been raised is so frustrating.

The frustration is when it is clear and obvious. Officials have been overseeing games for many years and they would always flag whether they were right or wrong.

Now technology has come into it, they are very reliant on VAR to make the right decision, the factual decision, about an offside. But, I think when an offside is so clear and obvious, it should be the duty of the assistant referee to put their flag up and stop play from the off.

When it is marginal, I understand we are a bit more hesitant when there are really fine margins, and we have seen those fine margins when goals have been given and it is a toenail to keep them on-side. I would understand it from that point of view, but it was on the halfway-line where the offside happened on Sunday, only for play to be allowed to continue.

It has been a matter of time. It has been a time bomb waiting to go off for somebody to get seriously injured. Awoniyi is the one that has got that injury - that horrific injury - because of it. Some will say it is only the first time it has happened in the duration of this rule, but it should never happen. That is how players will be looking at it, how fans and managers will be looking at it and saying 'it should never happen'. We should not wait for something to happen to reassess rules like this.

I don't like the ruling of it - it is on the halfway-line, it is clear and obviously offside, everybody in the stadium could probably see it. It should be for the assistant referee to make the decision. There are small margins in the box, I understand why they are a bit hesitant, but in open play, if somebody is sprinting, you could cause hamstring, quad, and all types of muscle injuries.

I am totally against this rule of waiting to put up the flag and I think most players and managers are as well. It's disappointing. I think it's a rule that nobody likes, and I'm sure in the summer off the back of this injury, one that will probably be reassessed.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Alex Fletcher
BBC Sport journalist

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This season has been far from ideal for James Milner.

It might have started with him becoming the first player to play in 23 Premier League seasons - when he took to the field on the opening day against Everton - but two weeks later it would end prematurely.

A hamstring injury in Brighton's draw against Arsenal ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.

Despite his absence, it's being reported that he is in talks with the club over signing a new deal.

Milner will turn 40 in January, but can he play a part for Brighton going forward?

He joined the Seagulls in the summer of 2023, after eight trophy-laden years at Liverpool.

According to Opta, since his arrival he has started just 14 Premier League games and played just 950 minutes.

But if you take out his injury-hit season this year, there is no evidence that Milner is slowing down.

Last season he averaged 52 minutes per appearance - his highest since 2018-19 - as he started 11 Premier League games for Brighton.

During the second half of his spell at Liverpool he was limited to mainly substitute appearances, and while he played more minutes in each of his seasons, he started just 27 league matches in his final three years at the club.

And as Brighton push to secure European football for next season, Milner could play an important role both on and off the pitch should he sign a new deal.

Having won the Champions League in 2019, he has played in three European finals and been on the bench in another.

The former England international can also play in a variety of positions and his versatility is a potential asset for Fabian Hurzeler.

What do you think?

Do you want James Milner to stay at Brighton?

Send us your thoughts

The latest episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast has landed.

Seagulls trio Jack Hinshelwood, Adam Webster and Brajan Gruda all feature on this week's edition and discuss the race for a European spot.

Argus journalist Brian Owen also joins to preview Monday's fixture against champions Liverpool.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Brighton are in talks with veteran English midfielder James Milner, 39, over a new deal with the club. (Athletic - subscription required, external)

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Scott McCarthy
Fan writer

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When Brighton embarked on their much-talked about £193m summer spending spree, it was with one eye on the future as much as the here-and-now.

Nine new signings arrived at the Amex, the oldest of whom were Mats Wieffer and Ferdi Kadioglu aged 24.

If we accept that most players peak somewhere around the age of 28, it will be in the 2028-29 season that the summer 2024 additions start to hit their prime.

Having a young, inexperienced squad (and manager - it hasn't been mentioned much that Fabian Hurzeler is only 32) explains why the Albion have been so wildly inconsistent.

Yet despite the inconsistency, Brighton are still in the race for European football with two matches left to play. It's a scenario almost every Albion fan would have taken nine months ago at the beginning of what many felt was going to be a transitional season.

The hope will be that last year's signings will push Brighton on further in 2025-26, having adapted to life in the Premier League and with 12 months experience in England under their belts.

Against Wolves on Saturday, we got a glimpse of that plan bearing fruit. Wieffer and Brajan Gruda have both struggled since their £25m moves from Feyenoord and Mainz respectively.

But the pair are finishing the campaign strongly, suggesting they can become key players next season.

Wieffer won the Albion penalty at Molineux - converted by Danny Welbeck - and then started the counter attack which led to Gruda opening his account for the club. Wieffer now has three assists in his past four appearances since being given a run in the side at right back.

Gruda's strike meanwhile comes off the back of setting up the 89th and 93rd minute goals which turned a potential 2-1 defeat by West Ham into a last-gasp Brighton victory.

They say patience is a virtue and the Albion have more of it than almost any other Premier League club. It is a quality that can benefit Brighton over the coming years.

Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external

Harry Poole
BBC Sport journalist

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For the first time in his career, the 34-year-old striker hit double figures for Premier League goals in a single season with his penalty in Saturday's 2-0 win at Wolves.

Shining for Brighton in the twilight of his career, Welbeck's latest contribution helped ensure the Seagulls remain firmly in the fight to secure European football with just two games remaining.

"It is a good milestone to have - and I feel like it could have been more," said Welbeck, who scored on his Premier League debut for Manchester United as a 17-year-old in November 2008.

"I'm looking forward to improving. We have two more games left and hopefully I'll get some more [goals]."

Much of the former Manchester United, Arsenal and Watford player's career has been disrupted by persistent injury issues, at least prior to his arrival on the south coast.

But he has now made as many as 29 appearances in three consecutive Premier League seasons for the first time in his career, helping him to at last score 10 goals in a campaign.

He is one goal away from matching his most productive season across all competitions, scoring 12 times for Manchester United in 2011-12.

Each of the former England international's past nine goals in the competition have either put his side ahead (seven) or drawn them level (two).

They are vital interventions which have helped Brighton remain in the race for a lucrative European place.

Boss Fabian Hurzeler hopes that Welbeck, who will turn 35 in November, will still continue to deliver at the top level.

"I hope [he can carry on]," Hurzeler said. "He has to continue how he behaves at the moment.

"He is very professional and I am convinced that he can carry on for a long time."

Read more over here

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

Here are some of your comments:

Wolves fans

Rhys: Not a bad performance by Wolves. Thought we played all right but Brighton punished us for the mistakes we made. Matheus Cunha can leave now. He cost us a goal and he got booked. We just need to get these two games out of the way.

Mike: We were unable to cope with Brighton's press and made lots of unforced errors. We lacked width, particularly on the right wing . Some key players showed insufficient commitment to keep the ball.

Stefan: We lacked that killer punch. Strange game where we should have scored at least one goal, but could have conceded a couple more, particularly with defenders trying to play two-touch football to clear the ball instead of getting rid of it upfield. Still some promising stuff coming out of the squad with anticipation for a better outcome next season.

Matthew: Awful performance after the first 15 minutes. Players already on the beach, clearly. Worst Cunha display in ages too.

Brighton fans

David: Excellent all-round team performance. Have we missed Joao Pedro? Past three game without him, seven points. Previous three with him, one point. Well done Danny Welbeck from the spot.

Mick: For the second game running, I don't think we were the better team on the day, but we managed this game better. Some notable performances from Mats Wieffer, Pervis Estupinan and player of the year Jan Paul van Hecke. The manager won the tactical battle and individual players snuffed out the threat from Wolves' danger men. With Pedro back next week we have a chance of taking the final European place.

Fran: Good team performance, with substitutions again made the difference. The players are starting to show what they can do even if it is coming to the end of the season so things looks good for the future. Just concentrate on the next two games and if we get Europe fine. If not, we have still had a good season.

Sean: Now we have some defenders back fit, we are looking more solid at the back. It was great to keep a clean sheet. Some solid performances all over the pitch, I think eighth may be just out of reach with having to play Liverpool next, but if we can keep the core squad and manager, finishing in the top five could be a reality next season.