Brighton & Hove Albion

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Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler says Lewis Dunk "really identifies himself by the values of the club" so he is "very happy" to have the defender as his captain.

Dunk, who was part of the club's youth system, is expected to make his 250th Premier League appearance against Wolves on Saturday, having been part of the Seagulls' rise from League One.

"He is so experienced and he sees this place as a family," said Hurzeler. "He wants to chill with the kit man and chef and spend time here. He really identifies himself by the values of the club.

"He is my captain and one of my most important players.

"He knows the club and their history and values. He has all the knowledge, which is good when I am new here. I can learn a lot from him.

"Being my captain is about having trust to exchange opinions. It doesn't come overnight. It is like a relationship with a girl - it doesn't come on a first or second date, but with time it does. It comes by making memories and earning respect.

"I am very happy that he is my captain."

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

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

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He confirmed Danny Welbeck hit a nerve in his back against Newcastle and it "was very painful and still is" for the striker. Hurzeler added "it is still too early" to confirm whether he is available and he will train today before a decision is made.

• More on Welbeck: "Our medical team and physios are working every hour with him to make him fit for the game. Hopefully everything will be good."

• He said he "will not take any risks" at this point of the season with bringing injured players back quickly, but Solly March has returned to training, Joao Pedro is close and winger Yankuba Minteh, who has "a small muscle injury," is being assessed "day by day".

• Adam Webster is expected to be out for another two to three weeks but Hurzeler said his "injury is not as bad as we expected it to be".

• On opponents Wolves, who are bottom of the league: "They play well and in every game they have had the chance to win or draw. We won't underestimate them because they have quality and they defend very compactly."

• He said learning to defend together "takes time" as "you can’t change the players' mindsets overnight," but he is happy with the steps the team are taking.

• On Lewis Dunk, who could make his 250th Premier League appearance: "He is so experienced and he sees this place as a family, so he wants to chill with the kit man and chef. He really identifies himself by the values of the club. He is my captain and one of my most important players."

• He said Evan Ferguson "is in great shape mentally and physically" and he was impressed with "the way he worked for the team". Hurzeler added: "Now it’s up to us to help him get his confidence back after such a long injury and then I am sure he will be even better."

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

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Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen joined this week's Albion Unlimited podcast to discuss the side's 1-0 victory at Newcastle on Saturday:

"[St James' Park] is one of the toughest places to go in England. We knew that we had to fight and to work hard and everybody did that. If you work this hard then you deserve a result."

On grinding out the win: "It is a big step for us as a team that we can both dominate possession and dominate a game, but also at times hang on in tough moments and not give the momentum to the opponent."

On goalscorer Danny Welbeck: "He is brilliant. He is so important for us. He was the matchwinner again. Hopefully the injury is not too bad. He's a top guy. We all love him being around us, on the pitch and in the dressing room, so hopefully he is back soon."

On his own performance: "It is always nice to be important for the team. When you can do that with some saves to keep the clean sheet, it is a brilliant feeling."

On building momentum with recent results: "We showed in the second half against Tottenham what we are capable of and that has to be the benchmark now. In terms of work, intensity and spirit, it has to be like that and we showed it again. It is something we can improve even more and hopefully we can build on it in the next few games."

On substitutes making an impact: "You have to deliver when you get called upon. The guys that came in gave us exactly what we needed from them: fresh legs, a big fight and some control in the game. I think that shows the strength and depth of our squad this season."

Aston Villa are set to offer 20-year-old Polish goalkeeper Oliwier Zych a new contract, amid reported interest from Brighton and Arsenal. (Football Insider), external

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

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On this week's episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast, former Brighton captain Adam Virgo praised "genius signing" Danny Welbeck, after his goal was enough to win at Newcastle on Saturday.

"Danny Welbeck wasn't the typical kind of signing that Brighton would be making [at the time]," Virgo said. "Those kind of players that are at the wrong end of their careers in terms of hitting 30 years old [and with] the injuries that he has behind him.

"I always felt he was a very good addition, but could [Brighton] keep him fit?"

"He's had periods when he's played and then picked up the odd injury and been in and out of the team. But when he is fit, it has been a genius signing."

Welbeck has five goals in eight Premier League games this season but left the St James' Park pitch on a stretcher after hurting his back. He is a doubt for Saturday's home game with Wolves.

"If he could just stay fit for a sustained period of time, then his career could have been very different," Virgo added. "He has not been an out-and-out goalscorer but even as a centre forward, what he does with the ball and how he brings other players into play, the unselfishness of his centre-forward play is really important."

Listen to the full episode now on BBC Sounds

The latest episode of the Albion Unlimited podcast has landed.

Johnny Cantor is joined by former Seagulls players Adam Virgo and Warren Aspinall to discuss Danny Welbeck's excellent start to the season, and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Former Wolves striker Don Goodman joins the podcast to preview Saturday's game between the two clubs.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Brighton and Arsenal are interested in Aston Villa's 21-year-old Poland Under-21 goalkeeper Oliwier Zych. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

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

Scott McCarthy
Fan writer

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After Cole Palmer scored four times in 45 minutes against Brighton three weeks ago, Fabian Hurzeler said he would learn and adapt from the experience.

Hurzeler and the Albion showed a huge amount of naivety in going to Stamford Bridge and thinking a high defensive line was a good idea against Chelsea’s rapid front four.

However wise Hurzeler’s words were, the proof of the pudding was only ever going to be in the eating. And the pudding at Newcastle on Saturday turned out to be the finest prinzregententorte (look it up) from Hurzeler’s home state of Bavaria.

The Brighton boss did indeed learn and adapt. The high line was gone, Hurzeler having realised there are places in the Premier League where such tactics are suicidal. Chelsea is one. Newcastle another.

He switched from 4-2-3-1 to 4-4-2 with the midfield four consisting of central players and no out-and-out wingers. Brighton defended resolutely in two banks of four, challenging the Toon to find a way through. At the other end, Danny Welbeck in current form meant the Albion always had a chance of scoring themselves to nick a 1-0.

And it worked to perfection. It is hard to keep track of how many times over the past few seasons a visiting team have come to the Amex, sat back with a well organised defence and inspired goalkeeper and left with something.

It felt rather good for the boot to be on the other foot. And it highlights the contrast between Hurzeler and Roberto de Zerbi, for whom a Plan B was a bigger insult than pineapple on a pizza – most notably when injury-hit Albion went to Roma, refused to modify their approach and were thrashed 4-0.

Hurzeler’s willingness to adapt meant Brighton became only the second team after Manchester City in 2024 to leave St James’ Park with three points.

The sign of a quality manager.

Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external

Football is full of highs.

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And lows.

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Controversy takes hold.

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Moments of madness do too.

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Players become unexpected heroes.

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Some never change.

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There's pain.

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Joy too.

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And, given this ebb and flow of emotion, every so often, even the coolest heads boil over.

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A Brighton-related question was put to BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty in Monday's Q&A.

Ben asked: Phil, what do you make of Brighton’s start to the season under Fabian Hurzeler and do you believe Europe is realistic once again? Continuing to get decent results against the 'bigger clubs' but struggle when they should win.

Phil answered: In a word, Ben, excellent. I’m a big Brighton fan – not as in you will see me down at The Amex waving a blue and white scarf – but of the way they do things and the way they play.

They have so many different facets to their character as well. They can dig deep and turn on all-out attack as they did to come from 2-0 down to beat Spurs, then they can go to Newcastle, ride their luck a bit let’s be honest, then come away with a classic gritty 1-0 away win.

And the appointment of Hurzeler already looks a superb decision. It was left-field to go for such a young coach - no matter how promising he was in getting St. Pauli into the Bundesliga - with no Premier League experience, but it looks like Brighton have got it right again.

It’s wide open after Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool, so why can’t Brighton reach Europe again? They deserve to be fifth, only two points behind Aston Villa.

Read more of the Q&A with Phil and the rest of the day's football news

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

Here are some of your comments:

Newcastle fans

Ward: Unfortunately we lacked a cutting edge and the guile needed to unlock a resolute defence. Our set pieces and corners are disappointing with little variation or creativity. This is important with the amount of box pressure we can generate.

Mike: It was very similar to the Everton game were we dominated but couldn't find the net. Again we created good chances against a resolute Brighton team and again we couldn't finish. It's so frustrating to watch, as long as we work hard and believe goals will eventually come.

Tom: Probably one of the most one sided first halves I have ever seen at St James Park. Newcastle should have been at least a couple ahead by half time. Newcastle's luck summed up with the Isak shot that hit Murphy. Shooting practice in training this week might be helpful. Right winger and a forward who can score goals are urgently required in the January sales.

Brighton fans

Philip: It was great to see a more pragmatic performance. We defended with determination as a team. Newcastle showed more intensity than us in the first half but lacked the finishing. If only we had parked the bus once we were up against Chelsea. In the second half we could have added more goals. Brighton’s flexibility and pragmatism were brilliant.

Brian: Not Brighton's most convincing or fluent performance. However, a great piece of individual brilliance from Danny Welbeck and some good defending enabled them to take all three points. Points from this type of match are vital to sustain a European challenge.

Louis: After all the chat about a high line and heavy metal football, this was a steely defensive performance that got us over the line. We all loved De Zerbi, but there was never any variation in tactics. Imagine if we had played like that against Roma. We've now played four of the big six, Newcastle and Everton away and have 15 points. Exciting times!

Brighton have had around just 40% possession in their last two games - but have won them both.

Only once since the start of last season have they had less of the ball in a game – a 4-0 home defeat against Manchester City in April.

The Seagulls have averaged 60% possession in the Premier League since the start of last season.

Interestingly, Brighton had similarly little of the ball in the same fixtures against Newcastle and Tottenham last season – and still took four points.

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Brighton shotstopper Bart Verbruggen spoke to BBC Radio Sussex after Saturday's victory against Newcastle: "I think it's one of the toughest places to go in England so we knew we had to fight and work hard. I think everyone did that. I think if you work this hard then you deserve a result.

"It's a big step for us as a team that we can dominate games and dominate possession, but sometimes hang on in moments and don't give the opponents momentum.

"It's always nice to be important for the team, making some saves and keeping a clean sheet. It's a brilliant feeling.

"We showed what we are capable of in the second half against Tottenham and we told each other that that is the benchmark from now on in terms of intensity. We showed that again and we can build on that in the next couple of games."

Hear more from Verbuggen, as well as Fabian Hurzeler on BBC Sounds

Tom Gayle
BBC Match of the Day Commentator at St James’ Park

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This season already, not one but two of the biggest pundits in the game, have both admitted it was a mistake by Manchester United to sell Danny Welbeck. It’s ten years since the former England striker made the decision to leave Old Trafford and join Arsenal in search of more regular playing time. Following solid, if not specular spells in North London and Watford, it’s now in his fifth season at Brighton, serial winners Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville have both chosen to speak out in support of their former team-mate.

Whilst some may see their comments as an opportunity to criticise Manchester United’s recruitment over the past decade, the numbers don’t lie. Welbeck, thanks to five goals in eight games, is currently enjoying a career best start to a new campaign, 16 seasons on from making his Premier League debut.

Welbeck was my first choice when it came to post-match interview requests. However an injury late on which required the striker to leave the field on a stretcher whilst receiving oxygen meant I’ll have to wait a little longer for an explanation from the man himself as to why he’s in such good form.

In his place I spoke to the club captain, Lewis Dunk, who couldn’t speak more highly of his team-mate. "He's one of the top professionals at this football club and he's a great key to our success. He helps everyone, young and old.” Brighton's Head Coach Fabian Hurzeler describes the 33-year-old as a “special character and special player” who is “so important for the club, and for me, and his team-mates.”

As the former Manchester United midfielder Ravel Morrison famously tweeted “Welbz is dat guy”, a statement which quickly evolved into “Dat guy Welbz”, a nickname which is still a go to for club social media admins some 11 and half years later.

Gary Lineker brings highlights and analysis from Saturday's Seven Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Man Utd 2-1 Brentford

• Bournemouth 2-0 Arsenal

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport journalist

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Now approaching his 34th birthday, Danny Welbeck once again underlined his importance to Brighton with the match-winning contribution at St James' Park.

Over six years on from his 42nd and possibly final England cap, the former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has shown his enduring class during the Seagulls bright start to the campaign.

With five goals in eight top-flight appearances this term he has already equalled his tally for last season and on this evidence you would not back against him reaching double figures for the first time in his career.

Evan Ferguson’s hat-trick against the same opposition catapulted him into the national spotlight last term.

However, with the Republic of Ireland striker enduring a goal drought stretching some 11 months, Brighton will hope the injury that saw Welbeck leave the pitch on a stretcher later on, will not keep him out for an extended period.

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Brighton captain Lewis Dunk spoke to BBC Match of the Day about Danny Welbeck's injury after he scored against Newcastle: "I'm gutted to see him go off, he's been in top, top form this season. Hopefully it's not a bad injury and he'll be back soon.

"He was ruthless scoring his goal. Me and him have a good link up.

"He's one of the top professionals at this football club and he's a great key to our success. He helps everyone, young and old. Hopefully his injury is not too bad and we'll have him fighting to get fit."

On his own fight to get back into the England squad: "We shall see."

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Fabian Hurzeler spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Brighton's victory against Newcastle: "I think we suffered first half. There was a lot of intensity from Newcastle. But we showed a brilliant reaction.

"In the end, I wouldn't say it was a deserved win, but my team suffered and defended together.

"Sometimes that's football. We didn't deserve to score at the time when we did. But it's great individual quality from Danny Welbeck. I am very happy with him."

On Welbeck's injury: "No updates. I can't say any updates. I think he got a knee in his lower back. Let's wait until later, until tomorrow, then we'll know more.

"We defended together. In the end, defence wins Championships. We got smashed against Chelsea but we learnt from it. Not everything was perfect today, we have to be honest with ourselves. But the luck will come to you if you work for it.

"We have a lot of injuries, we always have to adjust things. But the guys are doing it brilliantly. Of course we want to focus on the process but you also need the results. For me, the result was good, the performance was OK."

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Danny Welbeck registered his 100th Premier League goal involvement (72 goals, 28 assists) and has now scored as many goals in the competition this season as he did in the 2023-24 campaign.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

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

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

For week eight, he takes on legendary boxing manager Kellie Maloney.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

A few people out there thought Newcastle boss Eddie Howe would end up being the next England manager, but clearly that has not been the case.

Howe is doing a great job for Newcastle, though, and what a cracking game this should be. We know the way Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler plays too - like Howe, he really goes for it.

This is seventh in the table versus sixth, so these teams should be pretty well-matched, but If Alexander Isak is fit enough to feature up front for Newcastle after almost a month out, then he might just make the difference.

Kellie's prediction: This is going to be a good game. I like watching Newcastle, because I'm a big fan of Howe. 3-2.

Read the rest of their predictions, and have your own say here