Hurzeler focused on Brighton process, not the Premier League table

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said focusing on performances – rather than the Premier League table – was the best approach for his side after their dominant win over Chelsea.

The Seagulls replaced Chelsea in the top six on Tuesday as an outstanding performance at the American Express Stadium was rewarded by goals from Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood and Danny Welbeck.

Brighton fired off 15 shots compared to Chelsea’s six, having nine attempts on target while allowing none and also winning the expected goals (xG) battle by 2.17 to 0.38.

They became the first team to hold Chelsea to zero shots on target in a Premier League game since they themselves achieved the feat in February 2025, in another 3-0 home win.

The Opta supercomputer now assigns Brighton a 6.1% chance of Champions League qualification, as they sit one place and two points above Chelsea, whose hopes are down to 1.3%.

The Seagulls’ chances of making the Europa League have soared to 34.2%, the highest in the league, but Hurzeler is not thinking too far ahead.

Asked about Brighton’s place in the table by BBC Match of the Day, he said: “It is not that important for us.

“We will just keep focusing on the performances and keep focusing on what we can do right.

“We have high expectations of ourselves. I always say focus on the process, because you will get the results you deserve if you focus on what you can control.”

Since the start of 2022-23, Brighton have had 59 Premier League goals scored by players aged 21 or younger – 20 more than the team with the next most in this period (Arsenal, 39). Hinshelwood is one of two Brighton players with 10+ Premier League goals while aged 21 or younger during this period, along with Evan Ferguson (13).

The Seagulls have also completed their second Premier League double over Chelsea (also in 2022-23) and have won three straight games against the Blues in the competition for the first time.

“It’s definitely a positive feeling,” Hurzeler continued. “We played a good game, it is not just about the result but also what we brought on the pitch – the identity. We were there in every phase.

“It was not just parts of the game that looked good, but the entire 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.”

Brighton are next in action on May 2, when they visit out-of-form Newcastle United. Games against Wolves, Leeds United and Manchester United then round out their season.