Tactical Analysis of Brighton & Hove Albion: Weaknesses Spurs Can Exploit

Brighton v Spurs: Key Tactical Insights and How Spurs Can Exploit the Seagulls’ Weaknesses

Breaking down Brighton’s tactical approach and identifying the spaces where Tottenham can dominate through smart positioning, quick counter-attacks and strategic use of set-pieces.

This follows on from the tactical look at Ferencvaros, Manchester United and Qarabag, which have helped people recognize patterns of play on the field, like the pulling of de Ligt and Martinez out of position or the issue with United's full-backs.

Brighton v Spurs: High Stakes Clash for the Seagulls as Spurs Look to Continue Winning Streak

Brighton entered the season with top-six ambitions following impressive results against Manchester United (2-1 win) and Arsenal (1-1 draw). 

However, a winless September in the Premier League has raised some concerns. 

Their recent 4-2 defeat to Chelsea, where they conceded all four goals before half-time, has put manager Fabian Hürzeler under scrutiny for defensive lapses. 

A string of disappointing results, including a goalless draw with Ipswich Town and a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, has left Brighton’s home fans yearning for a strong response against a resurgent Tottenham Hotspur.

The clash with Spurs presents Brighton’s first real test at home as underdogs this season. 

They struggled in similar situations last campaign, losing four of five home fixtures (D1) against top-six sides, though they did manage an unexpected 4-2 win over us, a game that could have ended 4-4. 

Meanwhile, Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has doubled down on his attacking philosophy, rewarding the team with five consecutive wins, including a 3-0 triumph at Old Trafford against Manchester United - Spurs’ first victory over a ‘big-six’ club in ten attempts (D2, L7).

Tottenham have maintained momentum with back-to-back UEFA Europa League wins, including a recent 2-1 victory against Ferencváros, but the squad faces a tough test, enduring their third away game in a week and managing without key players like Son Heung-min, Richarlison, and possibly Destiny Udogie. 

Yet, a win at Brighton would see Spurs achieve something we haven’t managed all year, three consecutive Premier League wins, further solidifying our place among the league’s elite.

Players to Watch: Danny Welbeck, with goals in two of Brighton’s last three Premier League home matches, brings experience and familiarity against Spurs, having faced them 24 times in his career. 

Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke, fresh off scoring in the 3-0 win at Old Trafford and a recent England call-up after 3 goals in 4 games, will look to continue his scoring run, having netted in his last trip to the Amex Stadium.

We can not go without mentioning Brennan Johnson who has scored in all of his last 5 games, plus hitting the post and bar.

Overview of Brighton’s Tactics Under Fabian Hürzeler

Brighton’s playing style under manager Fabian Hürzeler has evolved significantly, making them a challenging opponent. 

They operate primarily in a 4-2-3-1 formation with a strong emphasis on possession, quick transitions and fluid attacking movements. 

Their use of overlapping and underlapping runs to create 2v1 situations in the final third is a key aspect of their offensive strategy. 

In many games, they aim to dominate possession, often exceeding 70% against strong opposition, showcasing their ability to control matches through ball retention and excellent positional play​.

Brighton’s Strengths and Weaknesses

1. Strength: Numerical Superiority in Attack Brighton often overload the attacking areas by positioning multiple players between the opposition’s defensive lines.
   
   When playing against a back four, they create numerical advantages, making it difficult for defenders to mark all potential threats.
   
   This leads to a high number of chances, particularly from wide areas where wingers and fullbacks combine to isolate opposition fullbacks​.

2. Strength: High Press and Ball Recovery Off the ball, Brighton deploy an intense high press, going man-to-man across the pitch.
   
   This aggressive pressing style can unsettle teams trying to play out from the back, leading to errors and turnovers in dangerous areas.
   
   Brighton have scored numerous goals by capitalizing on such mistakes from their opponents​.

3. Weakness: Vulnerability to Fast Counters and High Balls Brighton’s high defensive line, combined with their aggressive pressing, leaves space in behind.
   
   If Spurs can bypass the initial press with quick, vertical passes, there will be opportunities to exploit the space behind their fullbacks and centre-backs.
   
   This is where Tottenham’s pace, particularly with players like Brennan Johnson, can cause significant problems.
   
   Switching play rapidly to the opposite flank can also expose Brighton’s vulnerabilities, as they tend to push many players forward, leaving their weak side open to counter-attacks​.

4. Weakness: Difficulty Against Deep Blocks Despite their possession-based game, Brighton can struggle when teams sit deep and defend in compact blocks.
   
   They rely heavily on precision in passing and movement to break down these defences, but if Spurs maintain their shape and discipline, Brighton may find it hard to penetrate centrally.
   
   This can force them into taking long shots or speculative crosses, areas where Spurs’ central defenders like Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero can dominate​.

How Spurs Can Exploit These Weaknesses

1. Play Direct and Use the Flanks: Spurs should look to bypass Brighton’s midfield with quick, direct passes to the flanks.
   
   By doing so, they can avoid the aggressive pressing traps set up by Brighton and take advantage of the spaces in wide areas when Brighton’s fullbacks push high.
   
   The pace of Johnson on the wing and the trickery of Kulusevski and Maddison can be pivotal in breaking through.

2. Target the Spaces Behind Their Centre-Backs: When Brighton’s centre-backs push up to engage Tottenham’s forwards, there is often a gap left between them and the goalkeeper.
   
   This space can be exploited with runs from deep by the likes of James Maddison or Dejan Kulusevski.
   
   Well-timed through balls from midfield can put these players in one-on-one situations with Brighton’s keeper.

3. Capitalize on Set-Pieces: Brighton’s aggressive style often results in them conceding free-kicks in dangerous areas.
   
   Spurs should focus on set-piece routines to disrupt their defensive organization, where players like Van de Ven, Romero, and Solanke can be effective aerial threats.
   
   Isn't it about time Maddison scored direct from a free-kick?

Final THBN Thoughts

Brighton’s recent form and tactical innovation under Hürzeler make them a tough side to face, but they are not without their flaws. 

By remaining compact, playing with pace on the break and being clinical when opportunities arise, Tottenham can neutralize their possession game and emerge victorious at the Amex Stadium.

Ange Postecoglou has informed us that Heung-min Son is unlikely to take any part, that Destiny Udogie should be OK, but it depends on how he reacts to 2 days of training.

Let's hope Tottenham get a fourth away victory in a row after Coventry City in the League Cup, Manchester United in the Premier League and Ferencvaros in the Europa League.

COYS