Fabian Hurzeler has turned things around at Brighton and Hove Albion and three players in particular have stood out.
It’s now four wins in their last five games for the Seagulls, who only dropped points in an even game against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Their previous loss was also a tight match in terms of performance, though it ended 3-0 in favour of Liverpool in the FA Cup. That was the sixth and final game of a winless run, which ended in three straight defeats.
Since then, however, Fabian Hurzeler has managed to right the ship in a late (though unlikely) quest for European football. His side are 10th in the table, six points off 5th-placed Liverpool.
Who has brought Brighton back from the dead?
Danny Welbeck
He might be 35, but Danny Welbeck could be playing the best football of his career this season. He has scored four goals in his last five games, which is his third highest return in any five-game stretch he’s played in the Premier League since his debut in 2008.
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The highest came earlier this campaign, with six goals in five matches between September in November. In 2013-14, for Manchester United, he once found the net five times in as many games.
His 12 goals in 30 games this season is also a career high for the veteran striker.
*The post above was made before Danny Welbeck completed his brace against Liverpool last Saturday.
He has actually scored over half of the Seagulls’ goals in this recent run (4/7). And against Arsenal, one of the two games in which he didn’t score, he only played 20 minutes off the bench.
The Englishman has also been hitting the target more often than not in this span (5/9), overperforming his xG by 2.2.
Fabian Hurzeler
Fabian Hurzeler has been under criticism for failing to make Brighton more than just a mid-table side with no real pretentions.
But performances have been better as of late, and the defensive side of the ball stands out.
| Brighton PL Stats | Season average | Last 5 games |
|---|---|---|
| Goals conceded | 1.2 | 0.6 |
| Expected goals against | 1.5 | 0.9 |
| Big chances conceded | 1.9 | 1.0 |
| Shots faced | 12.6 | 12.0 |
The German managaer has also made a few changes in his starting XI. Mats Wieffer has reclaimed the right-back position from Joel Veltman and is not only more durable from a physical point of view, but also a more capable player going forward.
Another recent adjustment has to do with Jack Hinshelwood’s positioning. The 20-year-old has been playing a more advanced role as of late.
Although he does not possess the technical qualities of a true number 10, his work rate and energy have helped the team a lot out of possession.
He has actually contested more duels in this span, dictating whether the Seagulls’ defend in a 4-4-2 OOP, joining Danny Welbeck up front, or sitting deep alongside the two holding midfielders in a 4-5-1.
His constant movements often make it feel like Brighton are set up in a 4-5-2, managing the in-between of charging forward and sitting deep really well. When he joins Welbeck, he is usually well aware of who’s in his shadow.
And he never drops too deep that opposing midfielders and centre-backs are comfortable of playing without the threat of his pressure showing up at any time.
Yankuba Minteh
Last because it’s the most recent adjustment, but certainly not least, is the introduction of Yankuba Minteh into the starting line-up.
The Gambian winger had a solid cameo off the bench against Liverpool in the FA Cup, but was an unused substitute against Brentford and Nottingham Forest.
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Minteh then followed it up with an even better second-half performance in the loss to Arsenal. He entered the game at half-time and still led everyone on the pitch in successful take-ons (3).
Hurzeler decided it was time for him to get another shot amongst the starters. And he didn’t disappoint, scoring their sole goal in the narrow 1-0 win over Sunderland at Stadium of Light.
Minteh got the nod once again when the Seagulls welcomed Liverpool at the Amex. He fought a good battle with Jeremie Frimpong in the first half, but got the best of the Dutchman in the second half. So much so that Arne Slot replaced him with Rio Ngumoha, bringing Curtis Jones to play right-back.
Only Jeremy Doku (63) has completed more take-ons than Minteh (56) in the Premier League this season.
It may be too late for a push for European football next season. Even if Brighton carries their good form until the end of the campaign, there are too many teams in front of them – including Chelsea and Liverpool.
But their recent performances at least could ease their fans’ minds regarding Fabian Hurzeler’s managerial skills and how to get the most out of his squad.