Brighton analysis: Seagulls continue late resurgence

[Getty Images] Brighton's 2-0 triumph over Burnley in January was their only win in 13 league matches between 30 November and 21 February, and offered little more than a brief relief amid a worrying run of form. But Friday's 2-1 win against the same opponents carried far greater weight and purpose as it kept the Seagulls firmly in contention for a place in Europe next season. They have now won five of their last six matches and, more importantly, did not let their momentum drop after three weeks without a game in the international break, following a 2-1 win against reigning champions Liverpool .

With the congested nature of the table and confirmation of the Premier League having at least five teams in the Champions League next season, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler will fancy his chances of guiding the club to only their second continental campaign. He was forced to watch this game from the stands as he began a two-match touchline ban for accumulating six yellow cards this term. But his side still delivered a performance that reflected the German manager's influence - playing with discipline, pressing high up the pitch and making the possession count.

Dutch defender Mats Wieffer, who only returned from a toe injury at the end of February, proved to be an unlikely hero, scoring his first league goals since a 1-1 draw at West Ham back on 21 December 2024. Staying within reach of the top six has been quite an emphatic turnaround for Hurzeler and Brighton as they have found form at the right time.