🎧 Where have all the goals gone?published at 17:36 GMT 17 February
17:36 GMT 17 February
On the latest episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited, Brighton defender Jan-Paul van Hecke reviews the FA Cup defeat at Liverpool and former captain Adam Virgo looks at the lack of goals and recent results, and previews the trip to Brentford.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up
'This club was built on patience and belief'published at 11:11 GMT 17 February
11:11 GMT 17 February
Joe Sayers Fan writer
Togetherness is something our football club has always championed, a value I truly believed ran through the heart of our fanbase.
Right now, though, things on the pitch are far from what we've come to expect in recent seasons, and frustration is growing by the day.
Last Wednesday, after our defeat by Aston Villa, I was asked live on BBC Radio Sussex whether I was among the fans who booed or chanted "sacked in the morning" at the end of the Crystal Palace game. The question stopped me in my tracks and made me think hard about where I really stood.
In that moment, I realised I was neither "Fabian in" nor "Fabian out". I was simply a Brighton fan who wants the best for the club I've loved for years. Managers change and players move on, but the one constant is us, the supporters who turn up, home and away, whatever the weather and whatever the form.
Frustration is understandable. We've been spoilt by brilliant football, smart recruitment and seasons that felt like dreams.
When standards dip, emotions will rightly follow. But turning on our own has never been what we're about. This club was built on patience and belief, and that approach has carried us further than any of us imagined.
There's still so much to play for. Nothing is decided in February and our team needs backing, not battle lines in the stands or on social media.
Our role is a simple one: to support Brighton & Hove Albion, especially when it's uncomfortable and uncertain.
So, I'll be there for the rest of the season and beyond, scarf held high, hoping the Amex can find its voice again.
Where do you stand on Hurzeler's future? And if you think it's time for a change, what direction do you think Albion should go in?
Stuart: A great performance from the two Hungarians. The best game Kerkez has had in a Red shirt. Both him and Szoboszlai were very energetic. Jones performed with versatility. The combined passing and finish for the second goal was incredible. A little bit of the old Salah returned and he deserved the penalty that he rifled home. Finally some of the youngsters could get on the pitch. The only disappointment was Rio's wonderfully struck, disallowed goal!?
Rae: Everything right, and wrong, with Liverpool this season can be seen in this match. Some great goals, individual brilliance, Salah, Szoboszlai. And also some suspect defending, inconsistency. Nonetheless a great win and hopefully more to come.
John: So much has improved recently. Defending has Improved immensely, the midfield and forward play has been more dynamic. Salah has settled down after the African Cup of Nations, so onwards and upwards.
Struan: Important win against Brighton. Kerkez is at last becoming the player we thought we bought. Salah is beginning to return to form. Curtis showed he deserves more game time with his goal and all around performance. Szoboszlai was outstanding again with some superb long passes and a wonderful goal. And another clean sheet, which until recently seemed impossible for Liverpool. Lots of positives. Important we take the FA Cup seriously and give it our best shot.
Brighton fans
Keven: It felt like Hurzeler failed to understand the importance and passion of the FA Cup in this country and to the fans. You are playing one of the top sides, yet you start with no forward pace, no wingers to spread the game, leaving Mitoma, Minteh and Welbeck freezing on the bench, hoping to do a hit-and-run at the death. Kadioglu was once again the best player on the pitch for us, but how long will he continue to give 110% when others around him lack passion and fire in their bellies? I think the club now has to make some hard decisions however painful that may be.
Mark: Please Tony Bloom, end the agony of Hurzeler-ball, I just can't stand any more!
Barry: Brighton once again began brightly, moved the ball well and created opportunities - but the familiar problem remains - we don't take chances and Liverpool did. For a side that looked destined for the top eight not so long ago, the slide is worrying. Confidence appears fragile and the pattern is becoming predictable. Questions will inevitably be asked of Fabian Hurzeler. Chairman Tony Bloom now faces a significant decision about the direction of the club.
Brian: Confidence is installed through the manager. Unfortunately, this isn't happening and most players have lost belief in themselves. Against Liverpool, why start with such an inexperienced front line? Again selection is also a major concern.
