Fabian Hurzeler may have Brighton dreaming of Champions League football after yet another impressive win, but he will know that there is one massive obstacle currently holding his side back.
A Joao Pedro-inspired Brighton beat Bournemouth 2-1 on Saturday, despite Carlos Baleba’s red card reducing them to 10 for a cagey final half hour.
Yet it was only Brighton’s fifth away win in 23 attempts, and just a fourth from 16 in 2024.
In fact, the Seagulls have not won back-to-back league games away since September 2023, a shocking run for a team capable of challenging the best in the division.
There has been some improvement on that front this term under Hurzeler; three wins from six is a far healthier return, with defeats only at Liverpool and Chelsea.
But if the Seagulls are to reward the fans with the Champions League qualification they spent much of Saturday’s clash chanting about, they must become a travelling force to rival the very top teams.
Brighton secured another impressive win over Bournemouth on Saturday in a South Coast derby
Fabian Hurzeler’s side are dreaming of Champions League football after a record-breaking start to the season
Joao Pedro (centre) scored and provided an assist in a magnificent display on Saturday afternoon
Hurzeler however insisted his eyes were firmly rooted on Bournemouth despite the songs at the Vitality Stadium.
‘I don’t listen so they can sing what they want,’ he said through a smile.
‘I didn’t hear it. I was focused on the game, but I think it is always important to make the Seagulls supporters proud because in the end they pay a lot of money, they spend a lot of time to support us and it’s our responsibility to give them something back.’
It was a disappointing end to Andoni Iraola’s 50th league game at Bournemouth, but what a job he has done at the Vitality Stadium, with 17 wins, 12 draws and 21 defeats.
In fact, had they beaten Brighton they would have found themselves on 18 points, double last season’s tally from 12 games.
Truthfully, it would not have been a surprise, which is testament to just how impressive the 42-year-old has been.