Brighton & Hove Albion

We asked for your thoughts after Tuesday's Premier League game between Brighton and Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments:

Brighton fans

Sarah: What a cracker of a game! The first 15 minutes was like watching a well-choreographed ballet - tight passing, forward motion and the great Ferdi Kadioglu goal. The rest of the match didn't disappoint either. The team have really come together cohesively as a side. The best game I've seen this season and certainly the worst from Chelsea. I almost felt sorry for them. If we can hold our nerve, we really are in with a chance of Europe. Just a few short weeks after we were being mentioned in terms of relegation.

Simon: We were super, but never needed to be brilliant. It was like watching a pre-season friendly against Crawley, who would have been better than Chelsea. Just need to keep calm and carry on like this and we can book our flights across Europe again.

Sean: No matter how bad Chelsea were tonight, Brighton were completely dominant - very exciting times!

Jake: A strong performance - surely Kadioglu has to be player of the season?But the turnaround Fabian Hurzeler has managed is quite spectacular considering the chants after the loss to Crystal Palace. A number of Albion fans - myself included - need to eat a big slice of humble pie. And frankly, I'm fine with that as he guides us towards a second European campaign.

Chelsea fans

Dave: Liam Rosenior has to go! He should never have been given the job to begin with. We need a strong manager with a record. These players need leadership and some experience on the field.

Baz: Management pathetic in all departments. The majority of players have no passion or care for the club. Bring in new management and players that care for the club.

Graham: Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez,Moises Caicedo, Estevao, Marc Cucurella and Joao Pedro will all be talking to their agents in the morning and having the same conversation: "Get me out of here." That was a team that didn't believe in the management, on and off the pitch.

Russell: The worst Chelsea display I've seen in the past 40 years, and that is by far the most expensive side put together. What a complete shambles from top to bottom.

Brighton could offer 23-year-old England goalkeeper James Trafford a route out of Manchester City in the summer. (Florian Plettenberg), external

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

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Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton are the Premier League's most in-form side and are mounting a late push for European qualification.

A fourth win in five meetings with Chelsea across all competitions helped to heighten an already feel-good atmosphere at the Amex Stadium.

It is the latest result in a run that is carrying Fabian Hurzeler's side towards European football. While Champions League qualification remains a remote possibility, a place in the Europa League or Conference League appears a more realistic target.

This sixth win in eight games leaves Brighton top of the form table, supported by a settled and fully fit squad capable of delivering the kind of energetic display seen here.

There was quality in the delivery of the experienced German Pascal Gross, sustained threat from full-back positions through Ferdi Kadioglu, and a defence growing in authority as Jan Paul van Hecke and Riccardo Boscagli continue to build an impressive partnership.

Brighton's strength in depth was also evident, with Maxim De Cuyper and Danny Welbeck combining off the bench for a late third goal.

The contrast with Chelsea is marked. In seeking to emulate aspects of Brighton's model while compromising their own established identity, the Blues have been left with the worst of both worlds. Brighton, by contrast, continue to double down on theirs - with tangible success.

The Seagulls qualified for Europe for the first time in 2023 and, on current form, look well placed to repeat that achievement and embark on just their second campaign on the continent next season.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, speaking to Match of the Day: "Definitely a positive feeling. We played a good football game. It is not just about the result but also what we brought on the pitch - the identity, we were in every phase. It was not just parts of the game that was good but the overall performance. I am proud of the boys.

"Everyone has the intention to start well, but in particular tonight, it felt it was crucial to really show we wanted to win this game.

"We wanted to bring the fans behind us and build a connection and an atmosphere. You always need to bring this intensity on the pitch for the crowd."

On moving into the top six: "It is not that important for us. It is keep focusing on the performance and keep focusing on what we can do right. We have high expectations on ourselves. I always say focus on the process because you will get the results you deserve if you focus on what you can control."

Brighton goalscorer Danny Welbeck, speaking to Sky Sports following their win against Chelsea: "We started well, got an early goal which put us in a great position. I think everyone, down to a man, was brilliant, winning their duels, fighting for the ball, second balls.

"It was a really good performance, really strong. It's good to get three goals and a clean sheet. It's positive, sets us up nicely going into the last few games of the season."

On how Fabian Hurzeler's plan allows for flexibility: "JP [van Hecke] is an incredible player. Not only is he an incredible centre back, he's got the ability to step into midfield, to create things from the back and, as you've seen today, step into midfield and play decisive passes as well.

"You've got to use the strengths of the players. With the way the manager sets us up, we always have different patterns where players are rotating, players are stepping forward with the ball, there's lots of options to play forward."

Did you know?

• Since the start of last season, Brighton have won four of their five meetings with Chelsea across all competitions (L1); only Arsenal have won as many games against the Blues in this period (P6 W4 D2).

• Danny Welbeck tonight equalled the goalscoring record for Brighton in a Premier League season (13 – level with Glenn Murray from 2018-19), while his 13 in the current campaign is also the most by any English player.

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 make of Chelsea's display?

Come back on Wednesday for a selection of your replies

Brighton make three changes, including a reward for Georginio Rutter after his late equaliser at Tottenham to start in place of Danny Welbeck up front.

Yasin Ayari and injured Diego Gomez drop out for Kaoru Mitoma and Carlos Baleba.

Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Wieffer, Van Hecke, Boscagli, Kadioglu, Baleba, Hinshelwood, Gross, Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma.

Subs: Steele, Igor Julio, Veltman, Dunk, De Cuyper, Ayari, O'Riley, Welbeck, Kostoulas.

Chelsea make two changes from the defeat at home by Manchester United, drafting in Romeo Lavia and Trevoh Chalobah for injured pair Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian.

The two attackers have hamstring injuries while Joao Pedro is not involved.

The Blues are lining up in a back five for just the second time this season.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella, Fernandez, Lavia, Caicedo, Neto, Delap.

Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Tosin, Sarr, Acheampong, Essugo, Andrey Santos, Garnacho, Guiu, Derry.

The last time Chelsea lost five consecutive league games without scoring was 1912, when the Titanic sank.

Their season under Liam Rosenior is heading the same way, but it could still be salvaged despite their rotten form.

After losing four in a row, a top-five finish looks unlikely now - but sixth place would get them in the Champions League if Aston Villa finish in the top five and win the Europa League.

They are in the FA Cup semi-finals this weekend, too. Rosenior says he feels "100% support" from the club's owners but you can't get away from the fact there are lots of doubts about his future.

This is a huge end to the season for them and there is unrest everywhere - the fans protested about the owners before their defeat by Manchester United on Saturday, because they do not want a youth-development model - they want to be competing again, and winning things.

So they are under pressure and Brighton have their sights set on the top six too - they will go above Chelsea if they win this game, and with three wins and a draw from their past four matches, they are on a much better run.

The Seagulls beat them at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, with a couple of late goals from Danny Welbeck after Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah was sent off.

I have just got a feeling it could be a similar story this time and Brighton are definitely going to get something.

It is hard to make a case for Rosenior's side to win it, other than to think that they have got so much quality in their team that they are going to improve and break this cycle eventually.

I think Chelsea will score this time, but I do not see them keeping a clean sheet.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say

Struggling Chelsea travel to the south coast to face in-form Brighton on Tuesday (20:00 BST).

Welbeck enjoys playing Chelsea

After ruining the spirits of one London club at the weekend, Brighton are looking to repeat the feat against another.

The Seagulls' draw at Tottenham means they are unbeaten in their past four Premier League games. They are top of the form table with five wins in their past seven league matches and have put themselves firmly in the hunt for a European place.

Danny Welbeck has been a big part of Brighton's form with his 12 league goals the joint-highest tally in the top flight by an Englishman (along with Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White).

Welbeck has a good recent record against Chelsea, having been involved in seven goals in eight Premier League appearances against them for Brighton, with five goals and two assists.

Two of those goals came in the reverse fixture, in which Brighton came from behind to win 3-1, with Welbeck sealing victory in stoppage time.

Late goals have been a feature of Brighton's season, with only Liverpool scoring more than the Seagulls in the final 10 minutes of games this campaign. Some of the credit must go to head coach Fabian Hurzeler's tactical adjustments, with substitutes scoring a joint-high 11 goals in 2025-26.

Meanwhile, Hurzeler has never lost a Premier League match against an English manager in nine meetings (W7, D2) against Sean Dyche, Eddie Howe, Gary O'Neil, Graham Potter and Scott Parker.

Chelsea's goal struggles

Liam Rosenior won his first four Premier League matches as Chelsea head coach but defeats in his past four have put him under pressure, even though it is only just over 100 days since his appointment.

"A successful season for this club has to be to qualify for the Champions League," Rosenior said last month but that is looking increasingly unlikely and after Saturday's defeat by Manchester United he said it was now "a mountain to climb".

It's six defeats in seven games in all competitions and the Blues are now in danger of losing five league matches without scoring for the first time since 1912.

Chelsea's xG of 61.75 is the highest in the Premier League, yet their actual goals tally is only 53, suggesting they are making - but not taking - their chances.

However, in defeat to United they struggled to create any meaningful goalscoring opportunities despite having 21 shots, which is their second-highest tally in a league game this season and their xG of 1.55 equated to a paltry 0.07 per shot.

Pedro Neto hasn't scored in the league in 2026 while Liam Delap hasn't scored in his past 20 appearances and Cole Palmer's last goal was at the beginning of March.

Top scorer Joao Pedro missed the United game with a thigh injury but is expected to be fit for the trip to his former club, where the Blues desperately need him to add to his tally of 14 league goals this season.

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

Here are some of your comments:

Tottenham fans

Paul: Lifelong Spurs fan and I haven't seen us be this bad in almost 50 years of watching us. And I've seen some awful Spurs performances in that time. We're definitely getting relegated and we completely deserve it. I wouldn't be surprised if we get relegated from the Championship next season either. We won't even be able to celebrate Arsenal bottling the league again this year.

Jello: It was better, but still such a Tottenham performance to concede at the death. The two points dropped could end up costing a few hundred million. Lastly, Xavi Simons, save the tears for the dressing room. It's pathetic to see our players bawling on the pitch, you're a highly paid professional and a part of why we're in this calamity. Roberto De Zerbi was right to say he doesn't want to see our players crying. We need steely determination and granite resolve for the next five matches.

Scott: Pedro Porro is a liability. Celebrating, like he's good at his job. He's a defender and missed an almost open goal. If he could just stay in position, Spurs would be a mid-table team. If he could tackle, we'd push towards Europe.

Bob: We deserve to go down after watching another lacklustre performance. Players already look like they have given up. We look like a Championship team already.

Brighton fans

Brian: A solid, if not spectacular, performance with good contributions from the bench. Given all the noise and expectation around Roberto De Zerbi I think it's a satisfactory result. Now for Tuesday and three points against Chelsea!

Michael: Fantastic, but we should have won. So many chances, but wow, what a team. The first goal was probably one of the best all season, but because they are not a "big club" it gets overlooked.

Maggie: Spurs think they should have won. Really? I don't think so. Spurs were outplayed and out-thought for most of the game. The only reason we don't have all three points is Bart Verbruggen and his poor playmaking. He twice passed Jan Paul van Hecke into trouble for the first goal before he mistimed his punch. Then, he did it again for the second. Shocking. Oh and he nearly gifted Conor Gallagher a goal dallying with the ball. For his 100th game he had a nightmare. Clear. Your. Lines. First rule of defending.

David: Not the best performance as Spurs pressed whenever they could and made the midfield give the ball away too often. Lets hope the injuries to Diego Gomez and Kaoru Mitoma are not serious. We may need them on Tuesday against Chelsea. Europe is still a possibility.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Premier League game against Chelsea at American Express Stadium (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Diego Gomez, who went off injured against Tottenham, has a knee injury but it's "positive news" in "that it's not as bad as expected". Hurzeler added: "It's not a big injury and it's not an injury that takes him out for months, but we have to be patient to see how it develops."

• Kaoru Mitoma, who was also subbed off on Saturday, had "minor issues" like cramp and is available for Tuesday's game.

• James Milner remains sidelined but Hurzeler expects him to return before the end of the season.

• Solly March had a "minor" setback in training and that is why he was missing from Saturday's squad and will not make the Chelsea game.

• On Georginio Rutter: "He went through a very tough period where he suffered. He kept believing and fighting and now he's showed a great impact when he got on the pitch and got his reward with a goal."

• Hurzeler said he has been "impressed by the character and resilience" of his players after working through a tough patch earlier in the season to close in on a European spot.

• On being a point off Chelsea in sixth: "It's a position we should really embrace and we need to enjoy these moments and games because it's a great opportunity for us to grow."

• He said they face the Blues "with great belief and confidence" following recent results, but are also "very humble" because they know the talent Liam Rosenior's side have.

• On Chelsea: "They have enough individual quality to beat every team in the league. They are not on the best run but they play good football. We have to play intense again if you want to compete with them."

Got a question about Brighton? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Pundits Ashley Williams and Joe Hart 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:

• Leeds 3-0 Wolves

• Newcastle 1-2 Bournemouth

• Tottenham 2-2 Brighton

Harry Poole
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

In contrast to Spurs, Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton sat top of the form table after winning five of their past six league games in their late surge towards the European places.

Naming an unchanged side after the Seagulls maintained their momentum at Burnley, Hurzeler was again forced to watch from the stands as he served the second of his two-match touchline ban.

Brighton were forced to remain patient for their opportunities but eventually found their rhythm during a frantic end to the first half.

Danny Welbeck twice went close to a breakthrough, but was unable to add a finishing touch when Micky Van de Ven deflected Jack Hinshelwood's header against his own post, before having a glancing header saved by Antonin Kinsky.

With a chance to go sixth set to pass them by, Ferdi Kadioglu appeared to have missed the chance to rescue a late point for the visitors when he shot into the side-netting.

But Georginio Rutter would make no mistake after Jan Paul van Hecke robbed Kevin Danso of possession inside the Spurs penalty area, the point keeping them within reach of sixth-placed Chelsea, who they face next on Tuesday night.

Brighton Manager Fabian Hurzeler, speaking to Sky Sports: "Not our best performance, but we showed belief through the whole game. We were there to win it, especially in the second half. We controlled, we dominated, we had so many chances.

"We looked good, we have to believe to win it. I have to say regarding the performance, we take the point. We are disappointed because we wanted more. We showed good character."

On opportunities in the game: "We had the big chance and we didn't score. They scored with a brilliant moment. We weren't always able to defend Xavi [Simons], we didn't always perform at the highest level, but we showed real character. Our subs made a huge difference when they came into the game, they had a big impact and that's positive.

"We are sticking together as a group. Today wasn't our best game, but we take the point. We are still on a good run."

On Europe hopes: "Of course we take the positives, but it's noise. There are still five big games to go, we just focus game to game."

Brighton goalscorer Georginio Rutter, speaking to Match of the Day: "I think we deserved a point. It's frustrating we conceded two goals, but we take the positives and one point is better than nothing."

"We have to stay together, we are a team. We have good spirit and stay together and I hope at the end we can have a good present because we think about Europe."

On wanting to play European football: "For every player it is good to play in a European competition. We have to take it game by game."

Did you know?

• Brighton and Hove Albion are unbeaten in their last four away games in the Premier League (W3 D1), only enjoying a longer unbeaten run on the road under Fabian Hurzeler once previously in the top-flight (5 in 2024 December to 2025 January).

• Georginio Rutter's equaliser was the 11th scored by a substitute for Brighton this season in the Premier League, with no side netting more goals from substitutes in the competition this term (Arsenal also 11).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Spurs' performance

What did you make of Brighton's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi has made four changes after overseeing a 1-0 loss to Sunderland in his first game in charge.

For his first home match as Spurs boss, De Zerbi hands midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur his first start since undergoing surgery on his hamstring in January.

Kevin Danso replaces the injured Cristian Romero in defence, while Yves Bissouma and Xavi Simons also come in for Archie Gray and Richarlison.

Another huge boost for Spurs is the return of James Maddison to the squad for the first time this season, after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in pre-season.

Tottenham XI: Kinsky, Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie, Bissouma, Gallagher, Bentancur, Kolo Muani, Solanke, Simons.

Subs: Austin, Dragusin, Palhinha, Richarlison, Maddison, Tel, Gray, Bergvall, Spence.

There are no changes for in-form Brighton.

Fabian Hurzeler's side have won five of their past six in the league as they make a late surge for European football, and the German names the same 11 that started in the 2-0 win over Burnley, with Danny Welbeck leading the line.

Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Wieffer, Van Hecke, Boscagli, Kadioglu, Ayari, Gross, Gomez, Hinshelwood, Minteh, Welbeck.

Subs: Steele, Igor, Rutter, Baleba, Kostoulas, Mitoma, De Cuyper, O'Riley, Veltman.

After Spurs lost to Sunderland in his first match in charge, Roberto de Zerbi said his players need a father figure, not a coach. He is trying to build their confidence but maybe that means he is not coaching them the way he wants to.

It's a bit of a head-scratcher, but then Tottenham's entire season has not made much sense. When you look at their team and their bench, they have got some incredible players.

Somehow, though, Spurs are still waiting for their first Premier League win of the year after playing 14 league games already in 2026. Looking at the table, they will need three wins, or at least two, from their final six games if they are going to climb out of the relegation zone and stay up.

They really should not be in this position but I am not sure they have got the stomach to get out of it now they are.

I just don't think they will get one of those wins against Brighton, who have come into a bit of form.

The Seagulls are on a run of three successive victories and have five wins in their past six games. I can see things going wrong for De Zerbi against his old club, so I am backing Brighton to nick the points here.

Sutton's prediction: 0-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brentford v Fulham (12:30)

• Leeds v Wolves (15:00) - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Newcastle v Bournemouth (15:00)

• Tottenham v Brighton (17:30) - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Chelsea v Man Utd (20:00)

Kick-off 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 Leeds v Wolves" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Brighton", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Beleaguered Tottenham are without a league win in 2026, so can Roberto de Zerbi inspire them to victory in his first home match in charge against his former side Brighton on Saturday (17:30 BST)? BBC Sport looks at the key themes around the fixture.

Spurs close to unwanted home record

If their situation wasn't already serious enough, a morale-sapping weekend of results brought into even sharper focus just how much trouble Tottenham are in.

West Ham's crushing victory over Wolves, Nottingham Forest's battling point against Aston Villa and Leeds United's historic triumph at Old Trafford were sandwiched by a toothless defeat for Spurs at Sunderland in which they also lost captain Cristian Romero for the season.

There were only limited signs of a "new manager bounce" for Roberto de Zerbi in his first match in charge. He's since had another week on the training ground to try to instil some belief in his fragile squad. "I can be a big brother, father, they don't need a coach," he said of his plans to lift spirits.

The only one of Spurs' last 13 managers to lose their opening home game was his much-maligned predecessor Igor Tudor. Their home form remains an ongoing issue and if they are beaten again on Saturday, the Lilywhites will equal their club record of five successive home league losses set in February 1994.

So dismal have their performances been in front of their own fans that their tally of 10 home points is just one more than Brighton have picked up in their last three league matches alone.

Overall, Tottenham's winless streak in the league of 14 matches - dating back to 28 December - is just two shy of the longest such run in their history of 16 set between December 1934 and April 1935.

They also remain one of only two top-flight sides yet to win a match after failing behind along with Wolves.

Seagulls having flying end to season

In yet further bad news for Spurs and De Zerbi, his former side Brighton proudly sit on top of the Premier League form table having won five of their last six matches.

It is as many victories at they had managed in their previous 20 top-flight league games combined and has quelled rumours that Fabian Hurzeler's job was under threat.

Another three points would give them a fourth away win on the spin for the very first time in the top flight. The last time they conceded a goal on the road was on 11 February.

Their resurgence after such a tricky winter has firmly propelled them back into the mix for European football and they are only six points adrift of a Champions League place.

They have also enjoyed an excellent recent record against Tottenham, having lost just one of their last five against the north Londoners, scoring 14 goals in those matches, including four at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the final game of last season.

Holly Bacon
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Tottenham at the Totteham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 17:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Hurzeler said James Milner is still out but is "getting close" to a return. There was nothing else to report on team news.

• The Brighton boss says his predecessor Roberto De Zerbi is due recognition for his achievements with the Seagulls but maintains his full focus is on winning the game: "I think he deserves the praise because he had a huge impact here on this club. He had great achievements with the players. He reached Europe for the first time so he deserves this praise. On the other side, when the whistle starts, it's a game between Brighton and Tottenham and our approach is the same. We are there to achieve something, we are there to win this game. We are there to keep showing the right habits and therefore that's our main focus."

• Hurzeler said "form doesn't win you games" and that they have a responsibility to "show the right habits".

• On Albion's upturn in form, he added: "Before we had this run now, our performances weren't bad, the only difference was that we weren't able to get the results. It is not a surprise for us." He also said the supporters are key and that they can really compete with that "togetherness".

• Hurzeler was asked whether he is surprised at the situation Spurs find themselves in: "I think everyone is a little bit surprised but on the other hand it's very important to understand how ruthless the Premier League can be, how tight the Premier League is. You need to be at your highest level every weekend. We experienced, with a bad run this season, if you're not doing the right behaviour daily then you have no chance at the weekend."

• Finally on Saturday's game, the Brighton boss said: "Our goal is that we make our supporters loud, proud and therefore we need to have our style of play. We need to go there and play intense football, don't give them any hope and be very mature in our approach."

Listen to commentary of Tottenham v Brighton on BBC Radio 5 Live from 17:30 BST on Saturday

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

Got a question about Brighton? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts