Analysis: Brighton stroll past Wolves to boost Euro hopes
[Getty Images] It took Brighton just 35 seconds to find the response they were looking for in their commanding 3-0 win against Wolves on Saturday. The Seagulls were undone by two early Newcastle goals in a disappointing 3-1 defeat at St James' Park last weekend. This time, though, it was Fabian Hurzeler's side that delivered quickfire blows inside the first five minutes to seize control against Wolves.
Full-back Maxim De Cuyper replaced the injured Mats Wieffer and provided the assists for both goals - first floating in a cross for Jack Hinshelwood to score his fourth of the season. It was further proof of the 21-year-old relishing the number 10 role offered to him by manager Hurzeler in February. Brighton had one league win in 13 games when Hinshelwood was moved behind striker Danny Welbeck in the 2-0 win at Brentford.
Since then, they have won seven of their 10 games. But with two games still to play and sixth place likely to secure Champions League football , the stakes remain very high for Brighton, with Bournemouth, Brentford, Chelsea and Everton still in contention. Hearing the Champions League anthem at the Amex next season might not have been high on most supporters' wishlists, but it is now a possibility - and would be a fitting reward for Hurzeler after he committed his future to the club with a new deal until 2029 .