Brighton & Hove Albion

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game away to Newcastle (15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Defender Jan Paul van Hecke is available for the trip to St James' Park after recovering from a groin injury but Adam Webster and James Milner are both out with respective hamstring problems.

• Longer-term absentees Joao Pedro and Matt O'Riley remain sidelined while Hurzeler said he is yet to see Julio Enciso and Pervis Estupinan as they return late from international duty in South America.

• On Danny Welbeck's fine form: "Not surprised because I see how he is in training. He is a special character and special player and he is so important for the club and for me and his team-mates. He gets what he deserves."

• He said the club will give development coach Sam Baldock "the support and time he needs" after the death of his brother George last week: "We feel really sorry for him and the family. Brighton prove all the time when things happen that the club is there for the players and staff members."

• Solly March is "doing well mentally and physically" as he continues his comeback from a long-term knee injury: "We need to give him a lot of time. Being back after such a long injury is not a comeback that will be linear. He will have waves, Solly has to accept these ups and downs because they are normal."

• On Eddie Howe and the challenge posed by the Magpies: "He's a great coach. I have big respect for him, I'm really looking forward to competing with him. It will be tough there because Newcastle play quite intensely. The stadium is one of the best atmospheres in the Premier League. We need to have a cool head because it will be emotional."

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

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In the final part of our Q&A with BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor, he looks at the part Evan Ferguson might have to play this season.

Paul asked: Why has Ferguson not had more time to impress, only coming on late in matches? At least give him one game.

Johnny replied: Evan has had a long time out and the club will want to integrate him back gradually. The head coach sees him in training every day so is probably the best judge and things have been pretty good so far with the side in sixth.

An injury to Danny Welbeck may offer more him more opportunities, but he is very different to the other strikers at the club so can certainly offer something across a long season.

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BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor was asked about Pascal Gross and the impact he had on Brighton after signing in 2017.

Derek asked: Has a player ever been more deserving of the standing ovation that the Amex gave to Pascal Gross against Tottenham? It made me feel proud of my hometown team and the supporters to be so appreciative of his efforts for Brighton.

Johnny replied: In a word, no! He has been the standout contributor for the club in the Premier League era. The stats don't lie - but he also set the standard by his professionalism, determination and dedication.

I would argue he was one of the best - if not the best - value signing in the Premier League for any club in the past seven years at just £3m.

It was great to see the fans give him the reception he deserved.

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In the second part of our Q&A with BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor, he was asked whether Brighton's player model, which has seen them buy young talent and sell on for huge profit, is viable as they continue to push for consistent European football.

Nick asked: Has the club's philosophy of buying largely unknown talent and making them into top players taken them as far as it can in the search for silverware? Tony Bloom and co made a significant departure from their previous approach this summer by spending about £200m. Will we see them chasing big-ticket and high-profile signings moving forwards?

Johnny replied: I wouldn't say so. I think the search for silverware goes on at full force. That may well be a cup competition, but the Seagulls have reached two FA Cup semi-finals recently - and were the better team in one - and have arguably a stronger squad now.

On recruitment, we have seen a few more established and higher-profile players come in (Diego Gomez could well be another in January), but the underlying strategy will continue. Brighton do not do 'big ticket' - it is about value.

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Our Brighton expert Johnny Cantor assesses whether Albion can ever realistically compete for a top-four spot with how they currently operate?

Matt asked: With Brighton's model, do you see them challenging for one of the Champions League spots in five years' time?

Johnny replied: The challenge remains huge for so many teams trying to break into the elite group, and that will continue.

Any potential changes to financial regulations may have an impact, but a well-run club full of high-performing individuals on and off the pitch gives you a chance - even if it is a relatively small one.

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Over the course of Wednesday, BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor will be answering your questions about Brighton. In the first part, our expert looks at Albion's realistic aims for the season and the style of play new boss Fabian Hurzeler is implementing.

Charlie asked: Thoughts about the start of the season, Johnny? What can we aim for - do we dare dream of Europe?

Johnny replied: It has certainly been entertaining! A refresh is always tricky - with a few ups and downs - but, in time, things should be more settled.

I think Europe is the clear target but I would also say many things have to align for that to happen.

Hurzeler has inherited a very good squad, with some excellent additions, but injuries may have an impact.

The loss of Matt O'Reilly was a blow and as we wait to see the extent of injuries to Joao Pedro, Jan Paul van Hecke and Adam Webster, there could be a big strain on certain players in key positions.

Download and subscribe to the Albion Unlimited podcast on BBC Sounds to get up close to Brighton's players and management

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Sam asked: Will Hurzeler will stick with the high line? If so, will it work well or are we lucky to be sixth?

Johnny replied: Hurzeler has been asked about it and he refers to it as an "active" line rather than a high line.

Without getting too technical, he sees it as a holistic approach to dominating the game, and I think he will stick to his principles.

Lucky to be sixth? Results are what they are. I do, however, think the next batch of games could give a truer picture of the progress under the new head coach as Manchester City and Liverpool beckon.

Let's see where they are after 15 matches.

A new episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited is now available to download and listen to on BBC Sounds.

Former Brighton defender Paul Reid discusses the dramatic comeback victory over Tottenham, memories of the Withdean and the importance of local players.

And hear from BBC Radio Newcastle commentator Matthew Raisbeck joins the pod to chat Yankuba Minteh, Eddie Howe and the Magpies' injury issues before the Seagulls' trip to St James' Park on Saturday.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

BBC Sport pundit Fara Williams will be answering your questions, giving her insight and opinion around your club.

So what would you like to ask the former England midfielder?

What can your team achieve after their start to the season? Who has been your best player so far? What does the manager's future hold?

Send in your questions here, external

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Brighton forward Evan Ferguson (19y 360d) made the 11th international start of his career.

Only Robbie Keane (15) starting more games for Republic of Ireland as a teenager.

Teenager Jack Hinshelwood has made an impressive start to his senior career at Brighton & Hove Albion, employed in central midfield and on either side of the defence.

With England low on options at left-back, The Football News Show asks Brighton podcaster Ryan Adsett if he thinks the 19-year-old could be the answer.

Watch The Football News Show on iPlayer

We are opening the floor to put your questions about Brighton to BBC Radio Sussex expert Johnny Cantor.

Whether its tactics, form or off-pitch issues, we'll send a selection over and Johnny will offer his thoughts next week.

Submit your questions here, external

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Argus journalist Brian Owen believes the effort Brighton boss Fabion Hurzeler put into communication during his early time at the club has helped him adjust after the end of his "extended honeymoon" period.

The Seagulls occupy sixth position heading into the October international break and responded well to the 4-2 defeat at Chelsea with Sunday's stunning 3-2 comeback win over Spurs.

"Every team has good players and most teams have more expensive players than Brighton have got so on and off the pitch as a club and team you have to do things a little bit differently," Owen told Albion Unlimited. "You have to be a little bit inventive.

"I thought Hurzeler had quite an extended honeymoon period of his own making because pre-season went well, the signings were exciting, he was really good at communicating, making himself known and getting to know people. He made a really good impression in that way and then results continued into the season.

"His honeymoon period lasted longer than for most coaches. I wrote a piece after the Chelsea loss saying it was getting a bit cold, players have niggles, things aren't going so well, there's criticism flying around and the honeymoon was over. This is now the English football season.

"He spoke about that at Stamford Bridge saying this is the challenge he has come for. Now, it feels like we're into the proper season but the groundwork that he did, the early work he did on the pitch and with media, with fans, how he came across has helped him.

"He did things like an old stager, belied his years."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Former manager Mark Warburton talks to The Football News Show about how managers can deal with mental health struggles while working at a club and what support there is available to them.

Watch The Football News Show's Mental Health special

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BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor has paid tribute to Pascal Gross after the former Albion midfielder returned to say goodbye to the supporters before Sunday's win over Tottenham.

Gross was Albion's first signing after promotion to the Premier League in 2017, scored their first goal in the division, and went on to make 261 appearances for the club across seven years.

"He had that amazing ability to be able to do a Cruyff turn but the ball was far enough away from the defender that they couldn't just get in and nick it," Cantor told the Albion Unlimited podcast. "And if they did he just played the simple pass and didn't do it.

"There's one against Manchester United where he does it three times and it's just unbelievable. Backwards and forwards and nobody can get near him - that's one of my Gross highlights.

"If we want to talk about whether they're a worse side without him - I think they're just a different side without him."

Gross scored 32 goals for Albion and made another 52 before making the switch to Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

"He always made the right decision, and particularly late in games," Cantor added. I always thought Albion had the chance of winning games and was largely because he was on the pitch.

"He knew when to swing it into the box with his good delivery, when to hold on to it in injury time to create an opening, and that was what made him really, really special.

"He wasn't the fastest but he covered a lot of ground. He had a brilliant engine on him, he was really good from set-pieces and his passing ability was superb."

Listen to the full podcast

The latest episode of the Albion Unlimited podcast has landed.

Former Brighton & Hove Albion striker Warren Aspinall joins the BBC Radio Sussex podcast to discuss the incredible 3-2 comeback win against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Argus journalist Brian Owen also dials in to review the season so far.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Scott McCarthy
Fan writer

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You find more cheer on Albert Square during Christmas Day than there was around the Amex Stadium at 5.30pm on Sunday evening.

The Albion trailed Spurs 2-0 at half time but it could and should have been more after another defensive shambles followed the previous weekend's 4-2 defeat at Chelsea.

"Embarrassing", "cricket score" and "Sami Hyypia" were all terms overheard during the interval. While the Hyypia comparison was enjoyably ridiculous and wild, not many Albion fans would contest the other two.

What happened in the second half was frankly astonishing. Brighton went from looking like 11 men who had never played football in their lives to becoming prime Barcelona.

It was reminiscent of a Sunday League team playing 45 minutes still drunk from Saturday night, sobering up at half time and then giving a totally opposite performance in the second half.

Fabian Hurzeler deserves a huge amount of credit for instigating such an astonishing turnaround. Introducing Pervis Estupinan helped, alongside whatever it was he said during the break.

One of the sticks several pundits used to beat Hurzeler with upon his appointment was his age. How would Albion players take to being led by a head coach younger than several of them? Now we know having seen their reaction to what was presumably a Hurzeler hairdryer.

Hyypia certainly never managed anything like that during his short reign of terror, nor did he ever get the Amex as bouncing as it was through three Brighton goals arriving in the space of 18 minutes. Hopefully it's the last time his name gets an airing at the Amex for a while.

From disaster-class to masterclass. It is never dull watching the Albion.

Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external

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A VAR related question was put to chief football writer Phil McNulty on Monday's Q&A.

@nubiblue on 'X' asked: Is the new improved VAR working? To me it continues to favour certain clubs.

Phil answered: First of all, I don't believe VAR favours certain clubs and quite honestly, I've not noticed too much difference or huge improvement.

Maybe a little less interference but I confess I lost a lot of faith in VAR after initially being a strong advocate.

I would be happy with semi-automated offside and line technology.

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Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler says he's eager to "focus on the process" following the impressive 3-2 comeback victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

The Seagulls found themselves 2-0 down to Spurs at half-time on Sunday but second-half goals from Yankuba Minteh, Georgino Rutter and Danny Welbeck completed a remarkable turnaround at the Amex Stadium.

"The league is so competitive," Hurzeler said after the game. "You have to work hard for momentum and when you have momentum, yes you have to use this momentum.

"Again when we look at performances, they were quite good and now it is about keep improving, try to focus on the process and not too much on the result and we'll see what happens.

"Of course I have a lot of trust and belief in the potential of the team. In the end I don't judge the performances from the team by the result because in the end I'm completely convinced if you trust the process and if you try to focus on the process the results will come.

"It is normal to have ups and downs. We had a small down when we look at the results. I think the performances were good so far. Of course against Chelsea it was not the best performance, but we learn from it."

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Former Brighton manager Graham Potter has praised the performances of "fantastic" Danny Welbeck and "physical" Pervis Estupinan, after Fabian Hurzeler's side executed a three-goal comeback to beat Tottenham.

Welbeck joined the Seagulls on a free transfer back in October 2020, with Potter managing the centre-forward during his spell in charge.

Speaking about the former England international on Match of the Day 2, Potter said: "He has been fantastic on and off the pitch. He just brings that experience and that winning know-how.

"He knows how to act and how to be in a winning dressing room. He has really helped the young players at the club.

"It is great to see him scoring as well, because obviously he is a centre-forward and he wants to score goals."

Potter brought Ecuador international Pervis Estupinan to Amex Stadium during his tenure, and he praised the left-back's performance against Ange Postecoglou's side: "He just brings that physicality.

"He matched Tottenham's physicality. In the first half, the Tottenham full-backs were often having problems 2v1 on him.

"He just gets on the front foot. He is able to match their intensity. He also has a great left foot."

Catch up on Match of the Day 2 on BBC iPlayer

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Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart praised Brighton's "desire" to come back from three goals down to beat Tottenham, adding that Fabian Hurzeler's side "came out ready to fight" in the second half at Amex Stadium.

Speaking on Match of the Day 2, Hart discussed what changes the Seagulls manager made at half-time: "They obviously had a rocket with Ferdi Kadioglu coming off and Pervis Estupinan coming on.

"Tottenham almost made it impossible for them to get out, like in the first half, but Brighton came out ready to fight. [Kaoru] Mitoma was excellent the whole game and [Yankuba] Minteh made an excellent finish.

"Then the whole stadium atmosphere changed. Brighton were turning balls over in midfield, as Tottenham were in the first half, with Danny Welbeck being that focal point.

"Their chances were coming and Tottenham just didn't react like how they did in the first half. Brighton were one yard off it in the first half, Tottenham were five yards off it in the second half - that is the difference.

"So the comeback was well and truly on - there was just that desire from the Brighton players.

"It just felt inevitable that this result was coming."

Catch up on Match of the Day 2 on BBC iPlayer

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Brighton and Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

Brighton fans

Biggles: We normally go two down and it’s game over. What a fighting spirit we saw! That's two from two against Spurs at the Amex. Superb.

Jezz: What I’d really like to know is what Hurzeler put in the oranges at half-time! We looked so naive in the first half, with our high line getting bypassed so easily. They came out for the second half like a team possessed! What a game! It certainly saved MOTD2, which was looking a bit short on excitement before the Brighton game!

Brightoncynic: Fabulous comeback that showed the players can perform as a team. It could have been 4-4 at half-time and 6-6 at the end. Both teams looked like they could concede at any point, but Georgino Rutter's battling, never-quit physicality was what won it. Brilliant.

Keith: Absolutely amazing. What a comeback. Game of two halves. So deflated at half-time. Must have been a great team talk, they were a different side after the break.

Spurs fans

Mob: Game of two halves. First half we were absolutely brilliant and should have scored more than three. Second half we lost the plot. Ange got his wish to keep the game wide open. Brighton exploited our non-existent midfield and Porro and Udogie couldn't live with Mitoma and Minteh. Game management was lacking. Loss is down to both Ange and the players. Shocking!

John: The second half was pathetic - we played like school kids in a park. I have been a fan for 40 years and that was as bad a second-half performance as I have seen.

Herman: Some fans are blaming the manager and the style of play, but that’s got nothing to do with how we played in the second half. No aggression, no belief and not playing forward. Most players weren't there any more in the second half. That's unacceptable and unbelievable. I really hope Mikey Moore will be in the starting XI more often.

Matty: A perfect illustration of Spurs' split personality.