'Brighton showed their identity against Brentford'published at 16:21 GMT 23 February
16:21 GMT 23 February
Mark Scott Final Score reporter
Image source, PA Media
Of course Fabian Hurzeler desperately needed that result against Brentford, but the fact it was a very good performance away to a very good team is also a welcome relief for the Brighton boss. Especially given the negativity he had faced from some sections of the fanbase.
One of the gripes has been that the Seagulls lack identity on the pitch, but that was far from the case on Saturday, as they looked sharp from the word go with a clearly defined plan of attack.
One of their standout performers was record-breaker James Milner, so Hurzeler also deserves credit for deciding to start him in a call that surprised a few in the press room.
Sam: Classic Brentford, that's all I can say. Beat Aston Villa away with 10 men, beat Newcastle brilliantly, draw deservedly against the league leaders Arsenal, then produce a hopeless, tame and tired performance to deservedly get beaten by a Brighton side that hadn't won in six beforehand. A game to forget and move on from, and I hope for a reaction against Burnley next week.
Ian: Worst Brentford of the season. Poor all round, individual errors, lack of a plan B. Brighton had a clear plan and played their hearts out.
Rob: A very disappointing display from Bees. We were second best to Brighton at everything and they deserved their win. I wish the Bees would send on Romelle Donovan much earlier and also Kaye Furo when the forward line is not clicking. Congratulations to James Milner - a great pro.
Tim: Lacklustre from the off, allowing Brighton to dictate the game and emerge worthy winners. Tactics were plainly wrong; ignoring the midfield in favour of aimless wing play and Nathan Collins' error just put the cherry on the cake. At least Yehor Yarmolyuk and Mikkel Damsgaard added a bit of industry and invention but this was a poor, poor showing.
Brighton fans
ArrJay: This was a much better display by the Seagulls than we've seen for ages. Can the manager sustain it? He hasn't been able to in the past but we can live in hope that the club has turned a corner that has been oh so elusive.
Mick: A competent, composed and mature display. We looked balanced with a plan, which has been missing over the past weeks. All the players knew their role. More performances like this and Europe is not beyond us.
Pedro: Before the match, I feared a loss, expected a draw and hoped for a win. We should be celebrating three points, but in reality, we're just relieved to halt the decline.
Darren: As a lifelong Brighton fan, it's been a tough few months. However, what a performance - very proud of the boys and the whole team. Let's hope a bit of confidence will push the team on to a great end to the season.
Image source, PA Media
