"We have a great chance on Saturday to take revenge," were Fabian Hurzeler's words as Brighton exited the Carabao Cup at the hands of Manchester City. The following Saturday, the 33-year-old's dogged defiance manifested in a 1-0 victory over the same opponents, who failed to score at home for the first time in 23 matches. Brighton now sit in third place, only behind City and Premier League leaders Arsenal, both teams they have beaten this season.
And they have done so with a bravery and front-footedness that the likes of Arsenal and City have not always been used to facing. With 24 goals in nine games, Brighton are the league's top scorers but it is their defensive work that has underpinned their underdog victories against the league's best teams. Notably, Brighton have conceded just seven goals this season - with only Arsenal conceding fewer.
From opposition goal-kicks, Brighton look to press high and in a man-to-man fashion. This is a common approach but Brighton's intensity across the pitch makes them better at executing this than most. The challenge is that the opposition will have an extra player in their build-up compared to Brighton's 10 pressing outfielders, if they use their keeper as a passing option.
That potential issue is managed by one of Brighton's attackers leaving the centre-back they began marking - curving their run as they press the opposition keeper. In curving their run, the aim is to cut off the passing angle back to they player they are no longer marking, while the rest of the team are responsible for their direct, individual opponents. In spite of generally opting to play man-to-man across the pitch, at points in their build-up the team in possession may have an unmarked player.
This player is usually in an area of the pitch that is hard for them to access - such as their full-back or winger on the far side. This is often an intentional decision Brighton take, believing the benefit of an extra pressing player closer to the ball is greater than the risk associated with leaving that opposing player unmarked. By ensuring the opposing unmarked player is far from the ball, they reduce the likelihood that player is found.
By putting more bodies around the ball, they increase the likelihood of winning the ball back. What makes Brighton so unique though is how they defend deeper. Most teams who press high from opposition goal-kicks then settle into a more rigid defensive shape closer to their own goal.
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