{"id":1495812,"date":"2026-09-22T19:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&#038;p=1495812"},"modified":"2026-09-22T17:58:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T16:58:21","slug":"tactical-analysis-fabian-hurzeler-brighton-ucl-contenders","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-fabian-hurzeler-brighton-ucl-contenders\/","title":{"rendered":"How Fabian Hurzeler has Brighton looking like UCL contenders"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Brighton find themselves third in the Premier League after five games played, only behind Arsenal and Manchester City.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fabian Hurzeler&#8217;s side have picked up 10 points from their opening five fixtures, beating Aston Villa, Coventry and Arsenal, drawing against Leeds and losing a 4-3 thriller against Chelsea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After beating last seasons champions 3-0 at the weekend, many will be asking the question of how far can Brighton go this season?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Seagulls are also competing in the Conference League this season, so could a European title be obtainable alongside a Champions League qualification spot in the Premier League?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>In this article, we&#8217;ll cover<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-data\" data-level=\"2\">Data<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-fluid-build-up\" data-level=\"2\">Fluid build up<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-attacking-threat\" data-level=\"2\">Attacking threat<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-intense-press\" data-level=\"2\">Intense press<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-data\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Data<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hurzeler&#8217;s side are extremely intriguing tactically, and their numbers help to create a clear picture of the type of side they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brighton lead the league in possession this season, averaging 64.8%, which is more than Manchester City who are renown for this style of play with 63.1%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Going forwards, the Seagulls have been scintillating this season, scoring the most goals of any team (16), generating the most expected goals (11.49 xG) and taking the second-most shots (95) with the most on target (29).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A big part of Hurzeler&#8217;s philopshy which marries up his in-possession and out-of-possession phases is their intensity off the ball, both pressing from the front and regaining possession via counterpressing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22005738\/team_-smart-radar-3-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1495823\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22005738\/team_-smart-radar-3-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22005738\/team_-smart-radar-3-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22005738\/team_-smart-radar-3-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22005738\/team_-smart-radar-3-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22005738\/team_-smart-radar-3-214x267.jpg 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22005738\/team_-smart-radar-3-160x200.jpg 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22005738\/team_-smart-radar-3-48x60.jpg 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22005738\/team_-smart-radar-3-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22005738\/team_-smart-radar-3-59x74.jpg 59w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22005738\/team_-smart-radar-3.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brighton have the lowest PPDA (passes per defensive action) this season with 7.4, meaning they allow the fewest passes to the opposition before winning the ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They also have the most forced high turnovers with 56, with eight of those ending in a shot (14.29%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Last but not least, Brighton have also been effective from set-pieces, which continues to be a hugely important factor in the Premier League this season. Hurzeler&#8217;s side have four goals from set-pieces which is the joint-highest in the league, and have generated 2.28 xG from set-pieces so far, ranking fifth in the league.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Defensively from set-pieces, Brighton haven&#8217;t been as effective, infact, this has been their biggest weakness so far this season, conceding four goals from set-pieces and conceding 4.30 xG from them (the most in the league).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-fluid-build-up\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fluid build up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the strongest parts of Hurzeler&#8217;s Brighton is their build up, adhering to a set of principles that makes them extremely difficult to stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When looking to build out from the back, Hurzeler encourages his side to find solutions by utilising the +1 advantage of their goalkeeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The central defenders play with the confidence of midfielders, looking to get on the ball deep, vacating their natural positions to offer passing options to their teammates and always making sure the player on the ball has multiple choices in the build up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mobility is a key component of Hurzeler&#8217;s ideas, in order to find these solutions across the pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010120\/team_-pitch-5-stats-17-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1495827\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010120\/team_-pitch-5-stats-17-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010120\/team_-pitch-5-stats-17-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010120\/team_-pitch-5-stats-17-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010120\/team_-pitch-5-stats-17-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010120\/team_-pitch-5-stats-17-214x267.jpg 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010120\/team_-pitch-5-stats-17-160x200.jpg 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010120\/team_-pitch-5-stats-17-48x60.jpg 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010120\/team_-pitch-5-stats-17-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010120\/team_-pitch-5-stats-17-59x74.jpg 59w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010120\/team_-pitch-5-stats-17.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Much like PSG, Brighton are happy to rotate within a structure, making it difficult for the opponent to press them and therefore causing disruption for the opposition defence scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These moving parts include midfielders comfortable at all heights\/depths, full-backs comfortable both inside and outside the block, and wingers who are also comfortable both inside and outside, allowing the full-back and winger pairings to operate on different vertical lines and interchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This does a number of things, firstly, it makes it extremely difficult for teams to transition from a zonal to a man-to-man pressing scheme, something many teams attempt to do in the modern era, pressing with a hybrid scheme. This can lead to more control of the ball as teams struggle to apply pressure, which partly explains Brighton&#8217;s high possession numbers this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Secondly, it allows you to manipulate the opposition&#8217;s defensive block, stretching it both vertically and horizontally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"673\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22022155\/Brighton-vs-Coventry-build-up-network-1024x673.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1495852\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22022155\/Brighton-vs-Coventry-build-up-network-1024x673.png 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22022155\/Brighton-vs-Coventry-build-up-network-300x197.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22022155\/Brighton-vs-Coventry-build-up-network-768x504.png 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22022155\/Brighton-vs-Coventry-build-up-network-400x263.png 400w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22022155\/Brighton-vs-Coventry-build-up-network-304x200.png 304w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22022155\/Brighton-vs-Coventry-build-up-network-91x60.png 91w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22022155\/Brighton-vs-Coventry-build-up-network-150x99.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22022155\/Brighton-vs-Coventry-build-up-network-113x74.png 113w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22022155\/Brighton-vs-Coventry-build-up-network.png 1323w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jlatacticsboard.com\/app\/tactics-board\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/jlatacticsboard.com\/app\/tactics-board\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Image via JLA Tactics Board<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is where another similarity appears between Brighton and the PSG model under Luis Enrique, activity on the last line and the concept of countermovements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brighton are brilliant when it comes to their movement and activity, with players comfortable in a range of positions, but also understanding why they are taking up the positions they do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a winger drops deep and comes inside, the full-backs understand the run into depth they must make to stretch the pitch and create tensions for the opposition defensive scheme. This is the same for the midfield unit, if one drops from a high start position into a low position looking to drag a defender with him, the other midfielders can make dynamic movements to provide solutions and access the space created.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A mixture of runs into depth and movements towards the ball creates a good blend of push and pull dynamics, which constantly asks questions of the opposition defensive scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-attacking-threat\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Attacking threat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to Brighton&#8217;s attacking threat, there are a few mains concepts at play which result in high quality chances and access to dangerous areas on a frequent basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first of which is &#8220;regress to progress&#8221;, where Brighton are happy to play backwards in order to decompress the opposition block (vertically) in order to progress and find gaps between the lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hurzeler wants his side to find solutions to play through the lines, whether that be by decompressing the block vertically or by playing against the opposition&#8217;s momentum (this can be both vertical or horizontal).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brighton are also brilliant at looking for diagonal entry passes into or through a defensive block, as typically speaking, teams will be lopsided when applying pressure on the ball side, leaving the opposite side slightly deeper and offering space to access in front of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010130\/player_pitch-5-stat-1-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1495828\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010130\/player_pitch-5-stat-1-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010130\/player_pitch-5-stat-1-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010130\/player_pitch-5-stat-1-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010130\/player_pitch-5-stat-1-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010130\/player_pitch-5-stat-1-214x267.jpg 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010130\/player_pitch-5-stat-1-160x200.jpg 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010130\/player_pitch-5-stat-1-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010130\/player_pitch-5-stat-1-48x60.jpg 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010130\/player_pitch-5-stat-1-59x74.jpg 59w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22010130\/player_pitch-5-stat-1.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A big part of their success in the final third this season has been Pascal Gross, despite being 35-years-old, the German midfielder is showing no signs of drop off in his ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So far this season, Gross has created 15 chances, more than any other player in the Premier League, often finding himself in good areas to get balls in the box from that right half space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lastly, Hurzeler wants his side to regain possession as quickly as possible, with one of his key principles being his counterpressing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This can create good opportunities to attack against a destabilised defensive unit, turning defence to offence as quickly as possible and looking to get a shot away in as few actions as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-intense-press\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Intense press<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final key component of Hurzeler&#8217;s Brighton side is their intense press, as they look to stop the opposition from getting into their settled possession phase and become comfortable in the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you take into account the high possession numbers and this defensive approach to regain the ball as quickly as possible in order to regain possession and control the game, the in-possession and out-of-possession approaches clearly marry well together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"673\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020509\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-GKs-1024x673.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1495845\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020509\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-GKs-1024x673.png 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020509\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-GKs-300x197.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020509\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-GKs-768x504.png 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020509\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-GKs-400x263.png 400w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020509\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-GKs-305x200.png 305w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020509\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-GKs-91x60.png 91w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020509\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-GKs-150x99.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020509\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-GKs-113x74.png 113w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020509\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-GKs.png 1317w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jlatacticsboard.com\/app\/tactics-board\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/jlatacticsboard.com\/app\/tactics-board\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Image via JLA Tactics Board<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Against Arsenal, Brighton pressed in a very man-oriented approach from restarts\/goal kicks, with Yasin Ayari pressing alongside Charalampos Kostoulas in the front two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both Gross and Chema Andres would then press aggressively on Arsenal&#8217;s double pivot, while Diego Gomez and Maxim De Cuyper sat in half and half positions staying narrow, but ready to jump to the opposition full-back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A key detail with Brighton&#8217;s intense high press is the clarity in which they execute it, never hesitant to jump, always aggressive and applying pressure at full speed to put the opponent under the maximum amount of pressure possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a collective approach, when the midfielders are going man for man with the opposition midfielders, the central defenders will step up to attach to their man between the lines, sticking with them even if they drop deep into their own half, remaining in that pressing mentality with complete clarity, avoiding any hesitation which can lead to gaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"677\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020533\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-triggers-1024x677.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1495847\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020533\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-triggers-1024x677.png 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020533\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-triggers-300x198.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020533\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-triggers-768x508.png 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020533\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-triggers-400x264.png 400w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020533\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-triggers-303x200.png 303w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020533\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-triggers-91x60.png 91w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020533\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-triggers-150x99.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020533\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-triggers-112x74.png 112w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/09\/22020533\/Brighton-vs-Arsenal-pressing-triggers.png 1318w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jlatacticsboard.com\/app\/tactics-board\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/jlatacticsboard.com\/app\/tactics-board\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Image via JLA Tactics Board<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is also true when Brighton are defending in the middle third, initially taking more of a zonal midblock shape, keeping things compact and waiting to pounce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because when the ball goes backwards or a midfielder jumps to press, Hurzeler&#8217;s side transition from this zonal structure into a man-oriented press once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And once again, this is done with complete clarity, the defensive line jumps up with their references to close the gaps behind the pressing unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brighton continue to cause problems for a range of different sides in the Premier League this season, and given their strong start, a push for Champions League qualification should not be overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/premier-league\/\"><strong>Premier League predictions &amp; tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/outright-markets\/premier-league-title-odds\/\"><strong>Premier League outright odds <\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Brighton find themselves third in the Premier League after five games played, only behind Arsenal and Manchester City. Fabian Hurzeler&#8217;s side have picked up 10 points from their opening five fixtures, beating Aston Villa, Coventry and Arsenal, drawing against Leeds and losing a 4-3 thriller against Chelsea. After beating last seasons champions 3-0 at the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3107,"featured_media":1495821,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"squawka-category":[],"class_list":["post-1495812","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How Fabian Hurzeler has Brighton looking like UCL contenders | Squawka | EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-fabian-hurzeler-brighton-ucl-contenders\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How Fabian Hurzeler has Brighton looking like UCL contenders\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Brighton find themselves third in the Premier League after five games played, only behind Arsenal and Manchester City. Fabian Hurzeler&#8217;s side have picked up 10 points from their opening five fixtures, beating Aston Villa, Coventry and Arsenal, drawing against Leeds and losing a 4-3 thriller against Chelsea. 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