Brighton & Hove Albion

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Former Brighton winger Kazenga LuaLua has fond memories of his time at the club, describing it as the high point of his football career.

And he believes the Seagulls' rise is no surprise, praising the club's infrastructure developments - from the move to Amex Stadium to the new training ground - as pivotal steps that have helped them flourish.

"It was the best time I had in my football career," LuaLua told BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast.

"I always say this about Brighton when I talk to people about it. I have nothing bad to say about Brighton. I always say good things because they changed my life in a nice way. They gave me a platform to show what I can do, and I'm always grateful.

"When I first signed, I got injured, and then I was sent back to Newcastle to do my treatment. I remember Gus Poyet telling me: 'I want you back here next season.' For him to say that and want me with me being injured as well, was unbelievable.

"It was the best thing the club has ever done [moving to the Amex] and that was the start - then to get the new training ground, and from there Brighton just flew.

"I am not surprised [by Brighton playing in Europe] as the club was moving in the right direction. It's nice to see. I hope they can keep improving."

Listen to the full episode of Albion Unlimited on BBC Sounds

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Former Brighton forward Warren Aspinall was full of praise for Danny Welbeck's resurgence after he inspired the Seagulls to a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at the weekend.

The striker has now scored four in his past three games, including doubles against Chelsea and Newcastle, with his sharpness in front of goal matched by an intensity and experience that have become vital to Fabian Hurzeler's side.

"Like a good wine, he's maturing with age," Aspinall said told BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast.

"He sets standards on and off the pitch and his all-round game is getting better. I don't know what he's doing with his recovery, but it's working. That's for sure."

Welbeck's work ethic and leadership also drew admiration from team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke, who highlighted the example he sets for others in the squad.

"Incredible, not only his goals, but his work rate," Van Hecke said.

"Everyone knows that when you play for us, you have to work really hard as we don't have the superstars here. But when you see Danny setting the example, all the boys will follow him and are really happy with him."

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

This week's episode of Albion Unlimited features a chat with Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke while former Seagulls winger Kazenga LuaLua brings some nostalgia.

There's also analysis of Amario Cozier-Duberry's progress on loan at League One Bolton, plus a preview of Saturday's trip to Manchester United.

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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We asked you where Danny Welbeck ranks in Brighton signings during the Premier League era.

Here are some of your comments:

Bill: Danny has consistently shown a superb attitude both in the dressing room and on the training and playing fields. He is a high-class striker and I am sure his example is of benefit to all Seagulls players.

Edward: A great role model for younger footballers. An incredible piece of work by Brighton.

Clive: Welbeck has to be up there with the all time Brighton greats, but I also think he is now better as a second-half super sub.

Tony: Brilliant signing. I had my doubts at the start but what a great player Welbeck is. Has got better with age like a good wine. I hope he is offered an extension to his existing contract. A true legend in the making.

Jack: Yes, Danny is easily one of the best players we've signed. Getting him for free was a great piece of business as he's now our top scorer in the Premier League and he's been a great player to have in and around the squad.

Colin: The best free transfer we've ever had.

David: Danny is playing out of his skin and we are SO LUCKY to have him playing for us.

Scott McCarthy
Fan writer

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The traditional anniversary gift for five years is wood, symbolising the strength, stability and deep roots of a long-lasting and successful marriage.

This symbolism perfectly sums up the relationship between Danny Welbeck and Brighton, which passed the five-year mark at the weekend.

Welbeck celebrated the occasion in perfect style with a double, as the Albion saw off Newcastle United 2-1 at Amex Stadium.

Cast your mind back to October 2020 and plenty of eyebrows were raised when Brighton signed Welbeck on a free transfer, following his release by Watford.

Too old, too injury-prone, a panic signing after the transfer window had shut. The latter was said because Albion had left themselves in a position whereby Neal Maupay and Aaron Connolly were their only two options at centre-forward.

How many people would have dared predict Welbeck would still be a Brighton player half a decade on? Let alone the club's record Premier League goalscorer.

He is up there with Pascal Gross as the best value-for-money signing the club have made since promotion to the top flight in 2017, and has now played more games and netted more goals for Albion than any of his other clubs.

Football fans outside of Sussex may associate him with Manchester United, Arsenal or England more than Brighton, but it is on the south coast where his best and most consistent form has come.

The goals Welbeck bagged against the Toon Army came from two strikes of the highest class.

His first saw him coolly dink over Nick Pope. His second was a powerful drive with unerring accuracy, after showing quick reactions to latch onto Mats Wieffer's blocked shot.

Plenty of clubs would pay many, many millions of pounds for a striker with the finishing ability of Welbeck. Brighton forked out nothing.

Here is to the next five years - because it really would not be a surprise to see Welbeck still rattling in goals for the Albion approaching his 40th birthday on the 10th anniversary of his signing.

Where does Welbeck rank in Brighton signings during the Premier League era?

Tell us what you think here

Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external

Brighton striker Danny Welbeck joined BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club to reflect on his career and share how he maintains his fitness as a 34-year-old playing in the Premier League.

"I know my body," he said. "You learn your body and know what can put you in the best position.

"We have incredible facilities at Brighton and they are on hand for you. Everyone has the opportunity to recover in the right way."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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."

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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