A top-six spot at the stage of the season would likely have been not just a desire but an expectation for Brighton following some excellent displays against Manchester United (W 2-1) and Arsenal (D 1-1). But the Seagulls had a winless September in the Premier League, conceding four goals to Chelsea before half-time in their last outing (L 4-2), with particular criticism coming 31-year-old manager Fabian Hürzeler’s way for the nature of the goals they shipped in that defeat.
A top-six spot at the stage of the season would likely have been not just a desire but an expectation for Brighton following some excellent displays against Manchester United (W 2-1) and Arsenal (D 1-1). But the Seagulls had a winless September in the Premier League, conceding four goals to Chelsea before half-time in their last outing (L 4-2), with particular criticism coming 31-year-old manager Fabian Hürzeler’s way for the nature of the goals they shipped in that defeat. While he might not be under pressure, home fans will be keen for a response after seeing their side fail to beat Ipswich (0-0) or Nottingham Forest (2-2) in their last two Premier League home fixtures. This clash with a resurgent Tottenham will be their first test of the campaign as an underdog at home and that was an area where they struggled in 2023/24, losing four of five such matches (D1), though they did defy expectations to an extent with a 4-2 win of their own against Spurs in the corresponding H2H. Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou doubled down on his style of play in the face of mounting pressure, and was rewarded with five consecutive wins across all competitions, including an important 3-0 win at Old Trafford against Manchester United last time out. That was Spurs’ first competitive win over a fellow ‘big-six’ club in ten attempts (D2, L7), sparking hope that they’re on an upward trajectory. That followed a Thursday night Europa League victory, which they repeated this week with a 2-1 win away to Ferencváros, but a third consecutive competitive away trip is sure to test the fitness of a squad already missing Son Heung-min, Richarlison and Destiny Udogie among others. Yet to record three straight Premier League victories this calendar year, Spurs could establish a consistency not seen for months if they can avenge their last trip to Brighton. Players to watch: Danny Welbeck, scorer in two of Brighton’s last three Premier League home games, brings an enormous wealth of experience to this matchup. He has played more games against Tottenham (24) than any other club, though his last H2H goal came 11 seasons ago. Tottenham recruit Dominic Solanke grabbed the third goal at Old Trafford and received his first England call-up in seven years this week - he also scored for Bournemouth on his last trip to Brighton. Hot stat: There have been over 2.5 match goals in 77% of Tottenham’s Premier League games since the start of last season. Written by 90 Live
