🎧 New contracts and rare Black Cat trippublished at 17:04 GMT 10 March
17:04 GMT 10 March
Pascal Gross discusses the Arsenal game, former winger Will Buckley looks back at his Albion career and ex-defender Guy Butters looks ahead to the trip to Sunderland.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
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
'Fans want more of firebrand Hurzeler'published at 12:31 GMT 10 March
12:31 GMT 10 March
Scott McCarthy Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
The best description I have seen of Fabian Hurzeler is that he is what you would get if you asked scientists in a laboratory to create a human being based on being a walking, talking LinkedIn post.
Buzz phrases like trusting the process wrapped up in shades of beige. And this explains why Hurzeler has struggled to build much of a rapport with Brighton fans. Because how can you connect with someone who has displayed so little charisma in public?
Which is why it was so good – and surprising – to see Hurzeler going after Arsenal for their timewasting tactics and gamesmanship before and after the Gunners' 1-0 win at the Amex last week.
Diplomatic Hurzeler was gone. In his place came firebrand Hurzeler, spitting feathers like a TruthSocial post as opposed to a LinkedIn essay.
Or to put it in Brighton manager terms rather than social media platform metaphors… Hurzeler went from German Graham Potter to channelling the ghost of Roberto de Zerbi.
Whilst Hurzeler's comments sparked mini tantrums from Mikel Arteta and Arsenal fans online, plenty of Seagulls supporters said it was the first time they felt a proper connection to the manager since his arrival.
This was Hurzeler speaking like a proper football fan rather than regurgitating an overly respectful corporate dictionary - the manager Brighton fans thought they were getting when, in his first news conference, he said he had come to the Albion to challenge the establishment.
Those initial words befitted a young bloke fresh from the Hamburg Reeperbahn, where he celebrated winning the Bundesliga 2 title with St Pauli by lighting flares alongside supporters.
More of this Hurzeler for the rest of the season, please. Because along with winning games, displaying personality is his best shot of turning around the opinions of those fans who have turned against him.
'It was smart from them... but a bit too much' - Boscaglipublished at 11:42 GMT 5 March
11:42 GMT 5 March
Media caption,
Brighton defender Olivier Boscagli feels it was a "really cruel" way for them to lose against Arsenal with the Gunners' "frustrating tactics" in the 1-0 defeat.
The Premier League leaders have come in for criticism in recent weeks for their approach in games, with onlookers believing they are employing gamesmanship tactics and being over-reliant on set-piece goals.
Tempers flared in the match at the Amex on Wednesday night and boss Fabian Hurzeler said after the match: "I think there was only one team who tried to play football today."
According to Opta, Arsenal took 30 minutes and 51 seconds to restart play against Brighton, their highest total in a Premier League match this season.
"Really cruel for us. Difficult to accept this," Boscagli told BBC Radio Sussex. "But a lot of things we can take away that we can be proud of from what we did on the pitch. This kind of team, they are good in every phase of the game, not for nothing they are first.
"It was smart from them [the way they played], but I think it was a bit too much in my opinion, but it needs to be with the referees. We can't do anything, they need to take care of net play time.
"It can be frustrating sometimes, because you know this decision goes more in their way [in this match]. But we also had occasions to score goals and we can't hide behind this.
"But, of course, it is part of the game and difficult because it is difficult to speak with them [officials], everywhere the same. We can't blame this as we had enough time to score goals, but we can also learn from this. We can learn from this team also because even when they don't play well they still win.
"There is also something to do on this from the league because it was quite big tonight, but we can't change anything."
Listen to full interview by clicking play above or on BBC Sounds
Brighton 0-1 Arsenal - the fans' verdictpublished at 09:50 GMT 5 March
09:50 GMT 5 March
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We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Premier League game between Brighton and Arsenal.
Here are some of your comments:
Home team fans
Nigel: The reason Brighton lost is not Arsenals fault for the way they played, it's Brightons fault for not scoring when they had the chance! Fabian is moaning and blaming Arsenal but your players didn't score! Simple!
Chris: Toothless up front again. A familiar theme this season. Uncle Tony needs to crunch the data and sign us a goalscorer or two this summer ... please.
Fran: Played recently well tonight. Arsenal's defence kept them in the game. We dominated and they created very little, The referee and linesman were absolutely awful. Didn't seem to know what was going on around them.Completely ruined the whole game.
Graham: Brighton play some excellent football but play a team of mainly midfielders who are extremely limited in goalscoring which costs them valuable points. They need to splash out the cash for a top class striker such as Ivan Toni. They might then qualify for the Champions league.
Sam: Decent performance until the final third. Too many players not sharp enough - Mitoma needs to work on his finishing, no idea what has happened to Georginio and we do look blunt. Arsenal and the referee though, my god. Time wasting, diving, rolling on the floor and the referee allowed this to happen. Disgusting to be brutally honest. I can't believe that Arsenal, with their tactics, are going to win the league. Never left a game as angry.
Away team fans
Vince: Good result, poor performance. What ever happened to all that attractive passing football from Arteta's earlier days at the managerial helm? We bought Gyokeres to give us the Plan B option of no-nonsense, route one football but now that seems more the norm than the exception. That said, like most fans, I'll gladly accept it if we win the title. Which I suppose is why Arteta has turned this into Plan A.
Steve: It looked like we were using this game as a training session for our defense. Disappointing but 3 points works for me.
Mark: Pivotal night possibly in race for prem. With trip to Germany hope Arteta leaves almost all starting 11 at home for fa cup tie. No need for them to travel regardless of result and one of few times left in season we can take that liberty. A few days at home to recharge is massive as we look mentally tired in so many of recent games.
Gabriel: Heart was in my throat. Credit to Brighton for how they played, but we need more attacking intent. I saw nothing special in attack, and if we want to win this league, we need more from the boys up top. End of the day, 7 points clear, let's stay humble Gunners
Matthew: Arsenal showed character tonight against Brighton. Away games like this are never easy, especially against a team that plays good football and presses well. The important thing is that Arsenal managed the game well and stayed disciplined. These are the kinds of matches that win you titles — grinding out results even when it's not perfect. If Arsenal are going the league , performances like this are exactly what the team need.
Analysis: Frustrated Seagulls rue their luckpublished at 23:14 GMT 4 March
23:14 GMT 4 March
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton's recent upturn in form gave them optimism going up against the league leaders and they took the fight to Arsenal from the first whistle.
It was a deflection and goalkeeping error from Bart Verbruggen that eventually undermined their strenuous efforts, with the growing frustration around Amex Stadium at what Brighton fans saw as Arsenal's spoiling tactics adding to the mood of frenzy.
Fabian Hurzeler was a frantic figure on the touchline, berating the officials while urging on his own players, but Brighton's best chance came and went when Mats Wieffer missed that big second-half opportunity.
Even in defeat, there was much to encourage Brighton, their efforts appreciated by the fans who gave them a rousing ovation at the end.
This was, however, a night of pure frustration for the Seagulls.
Brighton 0-1 Arsenal : What Hurzeler and Gross saidpublished at 23:05 GMT 4 March
23:05 GMT 4 March
Media caption,
Watch Fabian Hurzeler's chat with BBC Match of the Day here
Midfielder Pascal Gross spoke to TNT Sports after Brighton's defeat against Arsenal: "They play for the title, they're very solid, not easy to score against. We created some half-chances. They didn't create much. When you go 1-0 down, it's always tough and we couldn't score. They played the game until the end.
On penalty shout: "I've not seen it back. When I go in the box, the way they defend on the edge, also with corners.
"From corners, they block us, they don't even watch the ball. That's how it is, but it's also why they keep a clean sheet. They defend strong and on the edge.
"It kills the rhythm. If you watch the games back, they're very good at doing it. They take time setting things up for themselves. It plays in their favour.
"Sometimes we missed the last pass or the finish. We need more belief that we cna do it."
Three of Brighton's last five Premier League games have been 0-1 defeats (v Crystal Palace, Aston Villa & Arsenal) – as many losses by this scoreline as in their previous 160 top-flight games combined (3).
Brighton v Arsenal: Team newspublished at 18:36 GMT 4 March
18:36 GMT 4 March
Brighton have left experienced pair James Milner and Danny Welbeck on the bench as Fabian Hurzeler makes three changes from the side that beat Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Carlos Baleba comes in for Milner in midfield, while Georginio Rutter plays up front instead of Welbeck. Olivier Boscagli replaced Lewis Dunk in defence, with the latter nursing a knee injury.
Arsenal will be without key defender William Saliba, who has an ankle knock, with Christhian Mosquera coming in. There is a change in attack as Gabriel Martinelli replaces Leandro Trossard.Declan Rice picked up a knock in the win against Arsenal on Sunday, but he is fit to start.
Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Eze, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Arsenal" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Man Utd", for instance.
'Long may it continue' - March on return after 11 months outpublished at 15:30 GMT 4 March
15:30 GMT 4 March
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton's Solly March says he had "questions and doubts" over his return to first-team action before featuring for the first time in 11 months.
March came on as a second half substitute in Sunday's win over Nottingham Forest for his first taste of action since suffering a serious knee injury in April 2025.
"It's been a long time coming, a long journey," the 31-year-old told BBC Radio Sussex.
"Probably a bit longer than expected but it's great to be back out there again. I've been training properly the last few weeks so hopefully long may it continue.
"Until you're actually out there you question it and doubt it but in the last few weeks I've been close. Last week I travelled with the team and got a sniff, and for now to be on the bench and come on is a great feeling.
"Hopefully I can be involved now for the rest of the season."
It is the second lengthy spell out March has endured as a result of a serious knee injury after previously missing 14 months between October 2023 and December 2024 with an ACL rupture.
After returning, he was injured again just four months later. March joined the squad in Marbella for pre-season last summer while following his own fitness regime but had lost strength and muscle around the affected knee and had to wait until Sunday to be deemed fit for the Premier League.
"Just maybe trying to be a bit more thorough and making sure to double tick boxes," he added when asked what he had done differently this time.
"Just taking that little bit of extra time and making sure the knee is in a good place in the first place rather than chasing it which I maybe was looking back at it. My knee wasn't responding last time whereas it is this time which does make it easier.
"It's just taking it step-by-step slowly and building up the minutes. Hopefully I can progress each game and earn a place in the team eventually."
Brighton & Hove Albion v Arsenal: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 09:05 GMT 4 March
09:05 GMT 4 March
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
Title-chasing Arsenal visit a Brighton side showing signs of a return to form. BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Wednesday's match (19:30 GMT).
Brighton back on track thanks to Welbeck
After a run of one win from 13 league games, Brighton have regained momentum by beating Brentford and Nottingham Forest, meaning Albion have the chance to claim three consecutive victories for the first time this season. If they are to manage that feat, the predatory instincts of Danny Welbeck are again likely to be key.
The evergreen 35-year-old scored his first league goal from open play since November in the 2-0 win against the Bees and was also on target in Sunday's 2-1 triumph versus Forest. That took the Englishman's tally to 10 Premier League goals this season, equalling the career-best figure he set last term.
Welbeck has consistently proved a thorn in the side of former club Manchester United, scoring eight times in all competitions since leaving his hometown team in 2014. But it has been a different story when reunited with Arsenal, where he spent the next five seasons.
He has managed only one Premier League goal against the Gunners since departing in 2019, with that strike coming in a 3-2 defeat at the Emirates during his single season with Watford. The veteran has not netted a league goal against the north London side since joining Brighton in 2020.
Corner turned - set-pieces giving Arsenal the edge
Arsenal restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with Sunday's 2-1 win against Chelsea in a game where all three goals came from corners. That took the total number of goals scored from corners in the top flight this season to 138 – already three more than last term's final figure.
For better or worse, set-pieces have never been as important to success in English football and Mikel Arteta's side are setting the standard right now. The Gunners have already scored 16 times from corners in 2025-26, equalling the Premier League record for a single season, and have 19 goals in total from dead-ball deliveries (excluding penalties).
Arteta's side are clearly not one-trick ponies and have netted more goals from open play since Christmas than any other team. However, set-pieces remain invaluable in how they manage games.
Arsenal have taken a 1-0 lead in 20 Premier League matches this season, with the opener coming from a set-piece or penalty in 13 of those. Once in front, it becomes easier for the Londoners to find space and eventually pick off rivals who commit men forward in search of an equaliser.
Opponents Brighton have been one of the top-flight's better sides when it comes to defending corners this term, conceding only five such goals – although that includes one in their 2-1 defeat at the Emirates on 27 December.
Sutton's predictions: Brighton v Arsenalpublished at 08:05 GMT 4 March
08:05 GMT 4 March
Arsenal are not playing fluently at all, but look at the depth they have in their squad.
At the moment it feels like they have got players who can come off the bench and impact games if they need it.
This game won't be easy - Declan Rice is an injury doubt for the Gunners and Brighton have just picked up back-to-back wins, with Danny Welbeck scoring in both of them - but I still think Arsenal will find a way to win it.
'There's no divine right here'published at 14:07 GMT 3 March
14:07 GMT 3 March
Joe Sayers Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Funny what two wins in a row can do to the mood around the place, isn't it? Suddenly the conversations outside the Amex feel lighter. The shoulders drop. The jokes come back. Are you looking up again? Or are you still bracing yourself for a slide into mid-table anonymity?
The truth is, mid-table in the Premier League isn't the insult some make it out to be. This division has a habit of chewing up big reputations and spitting them out. Clubs with bigger budgets and louder fanbases have stumbled this year. So maybe a little perspective wouldn't go amiss.
We've come too far as a club to start talking like we're owed victories. Brighton & Hove Albion weren't long ago fighting just to stay in the league. Now there's grumbling if we don't dominate. That shift speaks to progress, real progress, but it can also blur reality. There's no divine right here. Every point is earned the hard way.
That's why the last two wins felt so good. Not just because of the results, but because of the response. There was grit again. A bit of edge. The kind of performance that reminds you this team still has its heartbeat. I celebrated them like cup finals, and I'm not apologising for that.
Now comes the interesting part. With a bit of pressure eased, we can look up without embarrassment. Let the so-called giants come and try us. Let the league leaders test our nerve. The business end of the season is approaching, and while some think we're playing out the string, this group might just have one more surge in them.
Hurzeler on team fitness, Welbeck's extension and Arsenalpublished at 11:28 GMT 3 March
11:28 GMT 3 March
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Arsenal at American Express Stadium (kick-off 19:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Hurzeler is "confident" Yasin Ayari will be able to face Arsenal after training on Monday and later today.
He said "there are no new big injury concerns" but there are "some small issues" after the Nottingham Forest victory so "one or two players" might not recover in time.
On Danny Welbeck signing a new contract extension: "Every coach would be happy to have a player like him. In the last two seasons he has scored more goals than in other seasons and it is because he is playing more minutes. He has unbelievably good fitness and we have a really good medical department so they work together."
Hurzeler said Welbeck "would definitely deserve" to be at the World Cup if Thomas Tuchel selects him.
He said his side have to "stick to their principles" when it comes to playing Arsenal and defending their set-pieces because "it is their strength and they have a lot of physicality".
On facing the league leaders: "They are all top professionals and world-class players. They are definitely the best squad in the league but we have to believe in our quality. We know what we can go against the top teams."
He added that it will be "a big challenge" but they are "ready for it," especially because it's a home game.
Hurzeler said they "need fresh legs" and "players with a lot of energy" against the Gunners so there is expected to be changes to the starting line-up.
Brighton 2-1 Nottingham Forest - the fans' verdictpublished at 12:06 GMT 2 March
12:06 GMT 2 March
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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
Here are some of your comments:
Brighton fans
Rob: I should be happy with three points but I'm just angry we continue not to be able to perform over 90 mins - is it the players or Hurzeler? So dominant for 45 mins and then we proceed to over play and pass everything backwards, giving encouragement to Forest, in the second half. Brighton continue to be a hugely frustrating watch.
Chris: Good performance, great goals and great defending. Great to see Solly March back in the team and what a reception he got when he came on.
Joe: Good result but we made that ridiculously difficult for ourselves. Substitutions were made far too late and we almost cost ourselves by sitting back unnecessarily against a team 17th in the league. Would love to know also what Hurzeler's big problem with Minteh is.
Steve: Welcome win after a rough patch. I feel we could still disrupt the top four if we play to our potential, starting on Wednesday. Looking much more potent going forward so hopeful for a strong finish to finish top ten.
Nottingham Forest fans
Stephen: Didn't look like winning. Always second to the ball, was just jogging around while Brighton were running their socks out. Didn't deserve any points today.
Fosi: Shocking defence today, another toothless display. We are down without doubt, no quality backup players. The same players every game are shattered . Someone should have taken the decision either league or Europe ages ago, now we will get neither . Total lack of management by Marankis along with his useless mate Edu!!!
Derek: Just lacklustre, no control, urgency or drive. So disappointing. Where was the team that played against Liverpool?
Ivan: Relegation written all over it. The players really need to take a long hard look at themselves.
'Amazing role model' Welbeck on back-to-back winspublished at 11:00 GMT 2 March
11:00 GMT 2 March
Media caption,
Brighton forward Danny Welbeck scored his 10th goal of the season in the 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, as he reached double figures for a second consecutive campaign.
It also secured Brighton back-to-back wins for the first time since November, and the 35-year-old said his side had to put in the "hard graft" to pull it off.
"It was not easy at all," Welbeck told BBC Radio Sussex.
"We had a great performance last week [against Brentford], it was a nitty-gritty one, and I think we put in the hard graft. To follow up today with another mature performance, it's really important. Everyone in the dressing room, the club and the fans knew how big the game was.
"I'm feeling good, really strong and fit. Another 90 minutes under my belt and it was good to get the goal and double figures. We've got 10 games left so I'm looking forward to having an impact with goals and assists for the team.
"I always give my best out there but most importantly, it's better to win so whatever we do to win, hopefully I can get the goals to help us win.
"James Milner is a good role model to have. I'm just making sure I'm sticking to my usual stuff, doing everything right - prepare right, have a good sleep and eat right and we've got many people behind the scenes who help. It's working well, I'm feeling good and I'm happy to keep on contributing."
Welbeck's contributions are "invaluable" to the team, says team-mate Milner.
"It's incredible honestly, the amount of goals he's scoring," the 40-year-old said.
"He's not that young now, obviously I take a bit of the pressure off in that, but he's not that young himself but you see the nick he's in and the level of performances he's putting in and the work he does is incredible.
"Amazing role model for the boys - how he defends from the front and works hard and you know, I'm pretty sure that's cost him a few goals as well. If he was a bit more selfish he probably would get a few more but the work he does is invaluable.
"He's such a big player for us and he has many more years in him."
Analysis: Things looking up for Hurzeler after shaky spellpublished at 19:15 GMT 1 March
19:15 GMT 1 March
Emily Salley BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
It was only a couple of weeks ago that boos and chants of "getting sacked in the morning" were being directed towards Fabian Hurzeler by a small section of Brighton fans.
But, as we all know, things can change very quickly in football.
The Seagulls had looked goal-shy during their six-game winless run, scoring just three times. In welcome contrast for their fans, they have now scored four in their last two.
And what will be even more promising for Hurzeler - though frustrating too - is that his side could have had more against Forest.
Kaoru Mitoma should have added another shortly after Danny Welbeck netted Brighton's second, but he took a touch too many and his effort was smothered by Matz Sels – one of many times the keeper came to Forest's rescue.
A rapid reaction from the Belgian keeper denied Jack Hinshelwood's diving header just before the break, while he made a low dive to stop a Pascal Gross free-kick from curling in after the re-start.
Fortunately for Brighton, they were not left to rue the missed chances and they defended well as Forest pushed hard for a late equaliser.
In just two weeks they have managed to put significant distance between themselves and the danger zone. Ten points now separate them and 18th-placed West Ham.
Fans will also enjoy the welcome return of Solly March, who came on for James Milner in the 86th minute to make his first appearance since suffering a serious knee injury in April 2025.
Brighton 2-1 Nottingham Forest: What Hurzeler and Milner saidpublished at 16:42 GMT 1 March
16:42 GMT 1 March
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Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler speaking to Sky Sports: "We wanted to create a desire to defend and create an energy on the pitch that brings the whole stadium behind us and I think we did that in the first half. We created a lot of chances, intense in our pressing and then in the second half we suffered a little bit.
"We showed a desire to defend and our fans pushed us over the finish line. I was very happy with their support as well. In the end I think the team got what they deserved."
On gaining confidence: "Wins always help and increase self-confidence. For me, the joy today was how easy we played football. We kept it easy, we had a good connection, not a lot of touches. We have to make sure we are able to do it for 90 minutes and then we will be happy."
On Jack Hinshelwood and James Milner's connection in midfield: "They have a really good understanding and you see it on the pitch. They support each other. James Milner can me a mentor for Jack on and off the pitch. How they are related and connect on the pitch can really help. We know what Jack is capable of. He can run a lot and has a good understanding of spaces and when to make a good run."
On what will help them fight for Europe: "Togetherness. Being a unit with defence, being a unit on the pitch and doing the basic things right."
Brighton midfielder Milner, speaking to Sky Sports: "We had good spells in the game. Second half, probably not our best free-flowing football but we managed the game pretty well, defended well.
"The run we have been on we have played a lot better and lost games so it's probably that know-how of winning games and finding a way to win which we've managed to do the last two games.
"Amazing effort for the boys to get it over the line, amazing defending and some great goals in there as well and really pleasing to get back-to-back victories."
On messages he has received since becoming the Premier League's top appearance maker: "Obviously it means a lot the messages I have had. Amazing tributes. That's pleasing. It's nice to show the effort you have put in and the impact you have made. But it was all about the team getting another victory today. The last two games have been so important to us."
Brighton have won successive Premier League games for the first time since November last year, with both that pair of wins and this current pair of wins witnessing the second victory come against Nottingham Forest.
