Fabian Hurzeler sets Brighton challenge after ten-man Sunderland win

Fabian Hurzeler has urged Brighton to keep improving after a 2-0 victory at Sunderland brought their third successive Premier League win without conceding.

The Seagulls remained third despite playing more than half an hour with ten men following Pascal Struijk’s dismissal.

Maxim De Cuyper opened the scoring before substitute Jaouen Hadjam secured the points in stoppage time, making Brighton’s resilience one of Saturday’s Premier League talking points.

Fabian Hurzeler demands more from Brighton

Hurzeler told The Guardian: “I don’t want us just to be known as a nice team anymore.”

He also played down the importance of studying the table, explaining that performances and improvement remain his priorities.

Speaking in comments reported by the Press Association, Hurzeler stressed that each opponent presents a different challenge and Brighton must keep getting the basics right.

He praised the collective response to Struijk’s red card, particularly his players’ understanding of the need to protect their penalty area and defend crosses.

Brighton’s substitutes finish the job

Struijk was sent off in the 57th minute, four minutes after De Cuyper converted from Pascal Groß’s assist.

Lewis Dunk, initially among the substitutes in the confirmed Brighton line-up, replaced Charalampos Kostoulas as Hurzeler adjusted his team.

Sunderland finished with 62% possession but managed only three shots on target, all saved by Bart Verbruggen.

Brighton then found a second through two late substitutes. Georginio Rutter supplied the assist for Hadjam in the third minute of added time, completing a victory that tested their defending as well as their attacking quality.