Fabian Hurzeler React After Chelsea Tactics Fail

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler acknowledged he will review his decision to use a high defensive line after their 4-2 defeat to Chelsea last Saturday.

The Seagulls’ defensive vulnerabilities were laid bare at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer netted four times, nullifying goals from Brighton’s Georginio Rutter and Carlos Baleba.

This marked Brighton’s first loss under new head coach Hurzeler, leaving them ninth in the Premier League with nine points from their first six games.

“Some things are up for discussion, and some are non-negotiable,” Hurzeler commented when questioned about sticking with the high-line tactic. “I need to have a conversation with the players before making any public statements about our style of play.

“It’s something we need to talk through—whether the players feel confident with it or not. Ultimately, we’re here to help them improve, give advice, and if we’re going to play with this high line, there needs to be a strong connection. That connection was missing today.”

Cole Palmer made history during the match, becoming the first player in Premier League history to score four goals in a first half. His 20-minute spree included a stunning free-kick that flew into the top corner.

Chelsea’s equalizer came after a misplaced pass by Adam Webster to goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, which led to Nicolas Jackson setting up Palmer for an easy tap-in.

Reflecting on the match, Hurzeler admitted that Palmer capitalized on Brighton’s individual errors:

“After the game, it’s easy to say we should have defended deeper, but even with a low block, we could have lost. It’s always about finding balance, and none of the four goals we conceded were solely due to the high line—it was down to individual mistakes.

“With the high line, you can win the ball in advanced positions, but when it doesn’t work, it looks like today. We’ll analyze the match, sit down, and adapt if necessary.”

Former England striker Alan Shearer, commenting on Brighton’s high line after their 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, remarked: “Brighton play a high-risk high line, and they’ve already been punished for it this season.

“They’ve conceded four goals this season due to their high line. It’s risky—if teams move the ball quickly, they’ll break through because it’s so high-risk. When there’s no pressure on the ball, you have to drop back, but Brighton keep pushing forward, and it’s costing them.”

Speaking to Match of the Day, Cole Palmer revealed that Chelsea’s game plan was to exploit Brighton’s high line: “I should have had five or six! After missing the first chance, I was frustrated, but the way they played with their high line, I knew more chances would come.

“Our manager set up a great game plan, focusing on quick passes in behind. Brighton are a good side, similar to us in the way they pass the ball, but today we executed the plan, and got the three points we needed.”