These include a shining home record against big 6 opposition, wins to really prove we want to ‘challenge the establishment’, such as Chelsea this season, even City this season, where arguably, we should have been the side leaving with all 3 points.
The lows, however, have been REALLY low. Let’s address the elephant in the room at Nottingham Forest last season… yeah. Palace at home this season? Let’s not even go there. December form? So, anyway!
What specifically has changed?
First of all, credit where credit is due, to Fabian Hurzeler. After Crystal Palace, you would’ve thought that Fabian Hurzeler would be leaving the Amex that day, p45 in hand. ‘Sacked in the morning’ is ringing around the Amex. Post Hughton, we thought we would never be back there.
7 wins, a draw and two losses later… things don’t look so bleak for the 33-year-old. The question is- what has suddenly clicked? Are we grinding out results more? Starting games better? Or are the players really starting to buy into Hurzeler’s philosophy?
From my perspective, it’s a few factors.
Pragmatism definitely has a say, looking at the way we have started games and had to grind out results, examples being Brentford away, Sunderland, and Burnley away too.
First halves in these games are pretty good. Seconds tend to be lower possession, less control, and to be honest, a little frustrating to watch, as control of games/ game management has often been an issue for Hurzeler.
Talking tactics, and whilst Hurzeler’s idea is similar in many ways to De Zerbi’s in terms of press baiting/ manipulating, it’s a lot less structured, takes time to properly bed in, and now we’re reaping the rewards- positive results, and genuinely enjoyable football.
During this run of games (except for injuries), Fabian hasn’t made many changes, indicating he has found a settled team he likes and trusts for the time being. Could this all change in the summer if players are to leave? Quite possibly. Relationship-based football will obviously change when players change; some leave, whilst others come in.
The importance of Pascal Gross
Nothing will match the dopamine of seeing the ‘here we go’ of Pascal Gross coming home, after a year and a half-long spell with Dortmund. The perfect way to start 2026! Sadly, though, the transfer window did not match the original excitement and expectation. But for Pascal, arguably one of, if not our most important player since then, proving that the German still does in fact have it.
His role has been important in this Brighton side; get him on the ball as often as possible, in as many dangerous areas as we can. Using runs of different players to engage opposition, rotations to open gaps, getting him into wider areas, and even dropping him into the first line to assist the build-up.
He has truly been a revelation, and whilst some may not notice every action of Pascal’s, watch him closely next time he puts on the Albion shirt, and simply enjoy the genius.
The little details. The perfectly timed runs, weighted passes, and how he creates space for others and himself. Truly a work of art, and will never be appreciated as much as he deserves to be for these actions.
What does the future hold?
Once again, the summer transfer window holds a lot of if’s, but’s and maybes with regards to personnel, both incomings and outgoings.
Fabian still has a lot to learn; game management, developing players to maximise potential, potentially even how to manage multiple competitions and games in a singular week, whilst taking care of players’ physical conditions.
Being penned to a 3-year deal recently, the club have every faith he can continue our progression, and keep competing for European success.
