Brighton & Hove Albion

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We asked for your thoughts after Friday's Premier League game between Brighton and Southampton.

Here are some of your comments:

Brighton fans

Robert: Another frustrating Brighton performance. We need to take our chances. There is too much passing back. Even I believe the second disallowed goal was a good goal, so even more good luck for Brighton! I want to see Evan Ferguson given more playing time.

Billy: A solid first-half performance in which we should have killed the game off. The second-half performance was one of the worst I've seen this season. We massively miss Baleba! I don't know why but we always struggle against the smaller teams at home. That has to change if we want to challenge for Europe this season!

David: I never thought a team could miss one man as much as this side did with Baleba. The second half was probably the poorest I have seen them play this season. But second place in the Premier League, for a short while, is a dream come true. On this display, Southampton will not go down.

Robin: My thoughts are generally unprintable. The one that I can put out is how the defence looked far more composed once Lewis Dunk returned. One man doesn't make a team, but he surely is the glue that holds the rest together.

Southampton fans

Rich: In the first half, Saints were woeful and lucky not to be two or three goals down by half-time. They were definitely better in the second half and had more fight, but then the equaliser came from nowhere. VAR has done Saints yet again though. It has cost us eight or nine points this season already.

Anthony: Russell Martin has to go - the owners are clueless! Most of the players just turned up for the pay cheque. It doesn't matter to them if the club gets relegated, because they will have had a season in the Premier League. The honourable exceptions are Tyler Dibling and Mateus Fernandes, who will get a transfer when we get relegated.

Bob: We gave them problems and played decently. That was the worst decision I've seen in my life. We should have won, but I will take a draw against second place.

Daz: It was an OK performance - nothing spectacular. We will take a point, even though we will be relegated anyway. Dibling played well, we will be lucky to keep hold of him in the transfer window. I won't hold my breath with this result being the change we need, as I expect we will be back to our losing ways next weekend.

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Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been talking to BBC Sport after his side were forced to settle for a draw at Amex Stadium: "Not the best game from us, regarding intensity, how we pressed out of possession and how we used our chances. We only deserved a draw.

"When a team presses you man-to-man, it's not too easy to control the game. We tried to find the way. We managed it in the first-half but not in the second-half.

"We should be disappointed because we wanted to win at home, to present the fans another win, and we weren't able to. It's part of the process, we have to keep going and winning these games."

On why he was booked: "I don't know. I didn't say anything. You have to be careful with the questions you ask [afterwards about the officials]."

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Brighton midfielder Matt O'Riley has been speaking following the draw: "It's not great - points dropped. We had a lot of chances, especially in the first half, but we weren't ruthless enough.

"Maybe it was a lack of intensity, being a bit sloppy on the ball, bad decision-making - it just wasn't really good enough.

"If you don't work hard enough, you are never going to win. We tried to win, but we weren't good enough.

"I feel good physically, which is positive. I would like to contribute more. It's nice to be back playing, I feel like I'm getting fitter every day."

Emma Smith
BBC Sport journalist

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Title challengers and top four finishers are characterised by their consistency of wins - something Brighton, despite impressive performances, still lack.

Fabian Hurzeler's side could have equalled their club record of three consecutive Premier League victories had they beaten Southampton here.

And they appeared well on course for that after a first half in which they dominated proceedings and should have scored more than once.

But they went off the boil in the second half, were clearly shaken by Southampton's equaliser, and ultimately only a debatable VAR decision saw them claim a point.

Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck in particular flattered to deceive, having impressed as Brighton's front duo so far this season.

But neither could provide the killer touch, meaning Brighton failed to take the opportunity to steal a march on their European rivals this weekend.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Brighton fans, let us know your thoughts, external

What did you make of Southampton’s display?, external

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

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The question of who is in the title race right now is a good one, but I still think it is Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal.

At the beginning of the season, I said Liverpool would be up there because I feel people forgot how well they actually did last season. They are favourites at the moment because of the consistency they have shown this year, but we all know that the likes of City and the Gunners are capable of going on long winning runs.

City are in unknown territory at the moment with the form they are in, but they are still a group of Premier League and Champions League winners who know how to win and bounce back. However, if Liverpool get the win at Anfield this weekend, that would make them clearer favourites.

The reason I have not put Chelsea and Brighton alongside the other three teams as title contenders is because of the consistency of these teams over the past few years.

Those three have been up there challenging the past two or three seasons and I think that puts them ahead.

We have seen Chelsea are developing in terms of their age and have not been as consistent with their results. The same with Brighton. They put in some really good performances - but then some not so good.

With the heavy December schedule and into January, that is when we will start to see a split and those teams with a better squad depth start to break away a bit.

And yet, although that is what we are used to seeing, when you look at the league this year it has been one of the most up and down starts ever to a campaign in terms of consistency.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

For week 13, he takes on boxer Sunny Edwards who is a Chelsea fan.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Southampton actually gave Liverpool a decent game on Sunday, but that defeat means they have lost 10 of their first 12 games.

I don't mind seeing Saints boss Russell Martin stick with his gameplan, and it is hard for the promoted teams anyway, but we have seen another of the sides who came up last season, Leicester City, make a managerial change this week and you have to worry for Martin if his side keep on losing.

I do have a feeling it will be defeat number 11 for Southampton this weekend, too.

Brighton got a good win at Bournemouth last time out, despite playing for half an hour with 10 men.

It won't be a rout, but the Seagulls will find a way to win.

Edwards' prediction: 2-0

Brighton play good football and are very well organised. They are a much better team than Southampton.

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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Brighton midfielder Matt O'Riley says "the demands are really high" at the club and it is that mentality that will help the Seagulls to keep pushing on this season.

O'Riley, who signed from Celtic in the summer, missed the early part of the season after injuring his ankle on his debut in August but is now returning to full match fitness.

Reflecting on Brighton's season so far, O'Riley told BBC Radio Sussex: "It is always helpful when you're winning games and we have been. Naturally you then build confidence and there becomes an element of momentum.

"The demands are really high. The intention is to win every game and that is all we can try to do. We have shown we can beat the big teams, so if we can do it a bit more consistently then we will be a proper team.

"I feel good. My body is in a good place and I feel ready to contribute more minutes."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

West Ham United are considering a move for Brighton forward Evan Ferguson. (FootballTransfers), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Former Brighton striker Warren Aspinall says the Seagulls should expect a tough game when they host Southampton on Friday, but must win in order to keep the pressure on the other teams towards the top of the Premier League.

Fabian Hurzeler's side have the chance to move second with victory before the rest of the weekend's Premier League games.

"The confidence is with us after that win against Bournemouth," Aspinall told the Albion Unlimited podcast. "You have to in there and not think it's going to be easy because it's not going to be easy.

"Southampton are a good side, they are just lacking a bit of confidence. The mistakes they make are being punished.

"If they can stop those mistakes they will be a good side but at the moment they are at the bottom for a reason and Brighton have to take advantage of that. There is no point beating Manchester City at home and Bournemouth away and then not getting three points on Friday.

"So, I fancy us and I fancy us big. They don't win games or get any points if they concede first this season so if we score first it's three points.

"If you wake up on Saturday morning and you're second in the division, it puts the pressure on the other teams who are playing on Saturday and Sunday. That's what we have to keep doing - if we're playing first, keeping the pressure on the top sides."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is in favour of the introduction of safe standing at Amex Stadium and appreciates the club being "open to new things".

The Seagulls revealed plans on Wednesday to introduce safe standing in the north stand of the stadium from the start of the 2025-26 season.

The club said the safe standing section would mirror the set up at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium, with a rail installed in front of the seat and fans will be required to remain in their allocated place during the match.

Safe standing is already in place across a number of leagues in Europe, including in Germany, where Hurzeler previously managed.

"Honestly, I think it is a great thing," he told reporters at a news conference previewing Friday's game against Southampton.

"I experienced great atmospheres in the Bundesliga. In German stadiums it is normal some people are standing, especially normal in my former club St Pauli.

"What I experienced, I don't know if it is because they are standing or not, but it was great support. Very loud support, very emotional support.

"It is great that we do it, I really love it. I also really love that we are open to new things, this club shows they are open for new things and to do things in a different way. They like to make decisions like others have not done before. That is something that I really appreciate and that is my thinking and mindset too.

"So let's see how it goes and maybe in two or three years we are sitting here and the whole stadium is standing and this is just the starting point. Let's see how this develops."

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Brighton are the only team to be unbeaten when conceding the first goal in Premier League games this season (W2 D2).

Meanwhile, Southampton have gone on to lose all eight games in which they have conceded first, with only Nottingham Forest also having a 100% loss rate (2/2).

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Friday's Premier League game at home to Southampton (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Hurzeler confirmed Lewis Dunk is back in the squad, along with Tariq Lamptey, while Ferdi Kadioglu is a doubt but the rest of the squad "will stay the same".

• He acknowledged that they will "have to suffer" against Southampton because of their style of play and that the Saints' performance against Liverpool should be a "warning" to Brighton: "This league is so intense, so competitive - there is no easy opponent."

• On if the start to the season has given them confidence they can achieve European qualification: "For me in life, not only football, it is so important to have clear targets and vision of where you want to go. It makes you promise never to give up and gives orientation to your work. Right now, it is about momentum. This momentum gives the players confirmation for their work."

• He added: "You have to keep improving and developing this, focusing on the process and not the results. If you focus now on the results and say 'wow, we are at the top of the table', it won't work. You have to keep focusing on the process, on performance and then long-term results will come."

• Hurzeler said the red card Carlos Baleba received in the last match was a "false decision" but they have to "accept it", adding: "What should I say to the player? He didn't do a mistake with second yellow because it is not a second yellow. On the other side, I reflect on myself. Maybe I need to react earlier and say he is a young player, I need to protect him. That I need to take him out of game to make sure he is available for the next match."

• On reports that Evan Ferguson could leave on loan, the Seagulls boss said he did not know where that information came from as he is "happy Evan is here and he can help us in the next week."

• He also used Igor Julio as an example for players who are not featuring regularly: "No one expected Igor to play that many games in this phase, but he always made sure he was ready for games and for the chance. He always trained hard, never complained, accepted his role and then when he got the chance he was there. That is the same thing I demand from the other players. Accept your role - never complain."

• On an opportunity to go second in the table: "Honestly, I don't watch the table, believe it or not. I try to focus on the process. It is repetition from my side, but I truly believe [it]. But it is confirmation for the players [and] the staff. They all buy into it and have impact on success. It is important for them to see that their hard work is leading to results."

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

Sevilla are considering ending the loan deal of 20-year-old Brighton and Argentina defender Valentin Barco in January. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Former Brighton striker Warren Aspinall says the Seagulls are "up there with the greats" after their fine start to the season.

Saturday's 2-1 win over Bournemouth means Fabian Hurzeler's side sit fifth in the Premier League after 12 games, level on points with Chelsea and Arsenal and just a point behind champions Manchester City.

"What a feeling it is to open the newspaper on Sunday morning and see the top five in the Premier League and Brighton at the bottom of that," Aspinall told the Albion Unlimited podcast.

"You're up there with the greats. What a feeling that is as a player.

"It's not just the players, it's the staff, it's everyone who is employed by Brighton, it's the chairman who has put his money where his mouth is.

"22 points from 12 games is absolutely brilliant."

Aspinall was also full of praise for Brighton's front four of Karou Mitoma, Joao Pedro, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck, who again offered a constant goal threat.

"In the win over Bournemouth on Saturday our front four were like the Red Arrows," he added.

"They can interchange, the movement they can do - it's just wonderful football. You saw that in both goals. We need to wrap the four of them up in cotton wool. If they are fit then all of them play no matter what.

"If you think waiting in the wings is Simon Adingra, Yankuba Minteh, Evan Ferguson and Julio Encisco who all can't get a game."

Pedro scored his fourth goal in four Premier League starts this season and Aspinall believes if he simplifies his game then his potential is endless.

"The world's his oyster - another one where that is the case," he added.

"Sometimes he gets a little bit too cocky, he tries hard things instead of doing the basics. If he sticks to the basics and does them for 90 minutes then the world his oyster."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Brighton have made 20-year-old Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson available for loan in January. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

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

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Brighton have two high value talents in striker Evan Ferguson and playmaker Julio Enciso but both are struggling for minutes.

Ferguson has played 105 league minutes this season while Enciso has played just 84 - with both players having worked their way back from long-term injuries last season.

There are reports that the Seagulls are ready to allow Ferguson to leave on loan in January.

Brighton have refused to comment but it is understood that Enciso would be open to a loan move.

That situation could change rapidly in a busy December which will offer further chances to all players amid a period of fixture congestion.

Sources have also said Enciso is willing to wait given the potential of circumstances changing and that conversations will take place about potential loan conditions closer to when the window opens.

Ferguson is struggling for minutes while all of Danny Welbeck, Georgino Rutter and now Joao Pedro are in form. Meanwhile, Enciso finds himself competing with Kaoro Mitoma, Simon Adingra and Yankuba Minteh.

Brighton have lost just twice under young manager Fabian Hurzeler this season and are in a lofty fifth position in the Premier League.