Brighton & Hove Albion

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Oddly, I used to like to play in goals during training when I was a player. I was OK, but at 5ft 6in (1.67m) tall it was never going to be my alternative position in the professional game. I knew I was not big enough or good enough for that specialist position.

I say this so that keepers do not get riled with me when I say that, 99.9% of them, are not good enough to be top-level outfield professionals. The problem is that they are continually asked to be just that now.

Burnley v Brighton underlined this perfectly. It is a fast growing list of keepers who are being closed down and then losing goals, simply because they are not good enough footballers. Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen joined Burnley's Arijanet Muric against Everton and Sheffield United’s Ivo Grbic against Liverpool, an error I mentioned just last week.

The reason why Verbruggen did not just come out and pick up the ball up in his box, is because he is being asked to think like an outfield player, but the gap between being not bad and being a top pro is an almighty chasm.

Muric then had a howler that an 11-year-old outfield player would be embarrassed by. With this second aberration in two weeks, Burnley’s chances of staying in the Premier League all but crashed and burned.

This is not a stinging rebuke to him or any goalkeeper. They are being asked to do a job most are not equipped for, and so goals will continue to be pointlessly lost and will probably get even more frequent.

Pat Nevin was writing for the BBC Football Extra newsletter

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Editor of Brighton fanzine Dogma James Williams believes the Seagulls are suffering a "hangover" after such a successful 18 months but have "the plan and infrastructure" and to consistently compete for European football.

"We're feeling the pinch of a few different elements," he explained to BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast.

"Firstly, we've had the ride of our lives for 18 months which came to a crashing end a month or so ago with the game in Rome. It's inevitable there will be a bit of a comedown after that incredible high. This feels like that moment.

"We're also feeling the pinch in terms of injuries of course but also the fact we haven't recruited and replaced, at least like for like in the squad.

"The squad looks tired and we have a lack of options. I think all of those elements have combined to make this kind of feel of after the Lord Mayor's show. I don't think that's necessarily a problem but it is a crashing realisation. It's like waking up with the mother of all hangovers after the incredible 18 months that we've had."

Sides such as Fulham and Swansea City have both enjoyed solitary Europa League campaigns in the past 15 years but Williams believes Brighton are better placed to consistently compete at the top end of the Premier League because of the structure at the club.

"There's lots of teams who have done it once [achieved European football] and never again," he added. "If that's the case with us - to be totally realistic it could be -then so be it and what a ride we had.

"I also thing that unlike those teams, our progression and our development is based on a lot more substantial footing. It's based on a clear plan, massive investment and strategy all geared around this.

"We're going to be in and around those European spots much more consistently than those clubs because we have the plan and infrastructure to support it."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

On the latest episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast, Mark O'Mahony discusses his Premier League debut and new long-term contract, Jakub Moder chats about playing again after 19 months out and the editor of Dogma James William talks about Roberto de Zerbi, European adventures and murals.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Brighton have an army of players spread out on loan across the English Football League and Europe – and one of them might be going to Euro 2024 with England if the rumour mill is to be believed.

Goalkeeper Carl Rushworth is apparently being considered for a shock call-up by Gareth Southgate because of other back-up options for Jordan Pickford being injured, dropped by their clubs or out of form.

Rushworth is shining at Swansea City this season is no surprise to those who have followed his career through spells at Worthing, Walsall and Lincoln.

He has been hailed a potential star everywhere he has been, even attracting scouts from Barcelona to watch him at seventh-tier Worthing. The mind boggles at what those from the Nou Camp made of Woodside Road.

Poor results and disappointing performances over the past month have left a cloud hanging over the Albion.

But the success of Rushworth – and all those other young players impressing out on loan - serves as a reminder that the future remains bright at the Amex, even if 2023-24 is petering out into nothingness with six games still to play.

Scott McCarthy can be found at We Are Brighton, external

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We asked for your views on Burnley's 1-1 draw with Brighton on Saturday.

Here are some of your answers:

Burnley fans

Owen: Thought we played really well up until Muric’s mistake. People are quick to slander him after today but he is a class keeper and has saved us the past few games. To win games we need to score more, which we are incapable of. Our attack is a mess. We got really lucky with the goal today. But I will take a point and on to the next.

Lisa: We played good football but - yet again - one mistake cost us. It’s the headline of our whole season. Muric has cost us the last two games. Trafford needs to be in the starting line-up next match, along with senior players from last season who have earned their stripes and know how to deal with the pressure at this level. Let’s finish with some pride.

Barry: Everything considered, another one that was close but no cigar. I think Muric did more things right than the one error so no blame on him from me. Unfortunately it was just another glaring example of what we have lacked all season which predominantly is a true goalscorer. We still have 15 points to play for so keep the faith and UTC.

Brighton fans

Hugh: Poor performance. Too many players missing through injury but Roberto de Zerbi seems no longer interested in the job, which has affected morale across the squad.

Bob: Another poor result and we are turning into a very mediocre season. It's clear all our players are already on the beach. The policy of trying to walk the ball into the net is just boring now.

David: The same problem we have had for some time now, 20 shots and not one goal scored by a Brighton player. We do not have the players who are capable of walking the ball into the net and the management do not seem to be able to adapt. Will buying new forwards for next year solve the problem? I think not unless they come up with a new team strategy.

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's six Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to Saturday's BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra match commentary in full:

Manchester City v Luton Town

Bournemouth v Manchester United

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Brighton were not at their best at Turf Moor and recent results suggest the Seagulls' season is at risk of petering out.

Burnley saw the better of the chances in the first half while Brighton improved in the second but it ultimately came down to a goal they were unfortunate to concede then a goal they were fortunate to score.

Carlos Baleba's short backpass allowed Josh Brownhill to nip in and the ball cannoned off Bart Verbruggen's side before Arijanet Muric gifted the visitors a goal at the other end.

On balance it was probably a fair result but there is no doubt Brighton are in a difficult period.

There was also more injury worry piled on Roberto de Zerbi, already without nine first-team players, as Pervis Estupinan was replaced early on having sustained an apparent ankle injury.

While securing European football for the first time in the club's history last season was a triumph, the additional fixtures seem to have proved to be a step too far this campaign.

Roberto de Zerbi speaking to BBC Match of the Day after Brighton's draw with Burnley: "Fair result. We didn't deserve to win and we didn't deserve to lose. I think in this moment Brighton are like this. We are trying to play better, we are trying to win but it's clear we are spending a tough moment.

"We have a lot of injuries, we have many points to the European position. It has been a tough season for the players who played a lot of games - [Pascal] Gross, [Jan Paul] Van Hecke, [Lewis] Dunk, [Danny] Welbeck and we are trying to give our best but at the moment it's tough."

On Pervis Estupinan injury: "It's an ankle problem we will see in the next days [how serious]."

On the fortunate goal: "I can speak about our goal it was a short pass, too short pass from Carlos Baleba to the keeper. The keeper was maybe too deep and Baleba is playing very well but he's very young. We have to give him time to be better and play better. He is a good potential player, important for the future of the club and next season I think he can become better."

On 12-day break until next match: "I hope we can recover as many players as we can but I'm not a doctor, it's tough for me to be a coach. We have to play with pride, we fought for the ball. We started the first 20 minutes not so good but the last 70 we played a good game."

• Burnley are now unbeaten in three consecutive home Premier League games (W1 D2), after losing 11, drawing two and winning one of the previous 14 this season.

• Since their debut season in 2017-18, Brighton have benefited from 17 own-goals in the Premier League, a figure bettered only by Tottenham (25) and Liverpool (18) in that time.

• Burnley have dropped 24 points from leading positions in the Premier League this season, with only Brentford (30) dropping more.

• All 236 of Brighton captain Lewis Dunk’s Premier League appearances have come as starts, with only four outfield players posting a better 100% starting record (Gareth Southgate 426, Paul Ince 306, Des Walker 264, Gary Pallister 261).

• Burnley’s Josh Brownhill has been directly involved in two goals in his past three Premier League appearances (1 goal, 1 assist), as many as he managed in his 16 before that.

A calamitous mistake by goalkeeper Arijanet Muric prevented Burnley from securing a vital Premier League win over Brighton at Turf Moor.

One week after the Kosovan's mistake handed Everton a 1-0 victory over Vincent Kompany's side, Muric allowed a simple backpass from his team-mate Sander Berge to roll under his heel and into the net.

Josh Brownhill had given Burnley's chances of Premier League survival a glimmer of hope on 74 minutes when he nipped in to take advantage of a short backpass from Carlos Baleba and the ball cannoned in off the side of keeper Bart Verbruggen to give the home side the lead.

But just five minutes later Muric's error levelled proceedings and Burnley could not restore their advantage to take all three points.

The result leaves Brighton 10th in the Premier League while Burnley are still firmly rooted in the relegation zone, six points from safety.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?

Burnley fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did you rate the side's performance, Brighton fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

Six matches make up Saturday's Premier League action, and we will bring you every moment.

BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries:

• Man City v Luton

• Bournemouth v Man Utd

All times BST

Follow BBC Radio 5 Live commentaries and live text updates here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's games, he takes on actor and Leyton Orient fan Daniel Mays.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Looking at the table, Burnley will probably need four wins from their final six games to have any chance of staying up. That's the same number of victories as they have managed from their first 32 matches, so it's going to be a big ask.

They might get something here, though. I can't make my mind up about Brighton's form this season and, based on what he has said, it feels like Seagulls boss Roberto de Zerbi is off in the summer.

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany has been talking about his side's past six games and how they deserved to win more than one of them, on balance of play. Will this be their time to start a late winning run? I am going to say no.

Daniel's prediction: 0-0

See the full list of predictions here

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Roberto de Zerbi hopes Brighton will secure a second successive season in European competition, giving their players and the club a chance to implement what has been learned from this campaign.

The Seagulls are 10th in the Premier League table and six points behind sixth-placed Manchester United.

"It is difficult to understand how many points we need but we have to think game by game," said De Zerbi. "We have the chance to reach Europe.

"It is tough because there are a lot of strong and very good teams, but we have the chance. We have to believe in that first of all, and we have to win games."

Brighton's historic first season in Europe ended at the last-16 stage of the Europa League, but there were many memorable moments that could serve them well should they put themselves in a position to go through the experience once more.

After starting with a home defeat by AEK Athens, Brighton won home and away against Ajax, while the loss to the Greek side was avenged away from home. There was a draw in Marseille before victory over the French team at Amex Stadium.

Their campaign was effectively finished off by a heavy loss against Roma in Italy, which could not be overturned in the home leg.

"I would like to play next season again in Europe because this season we are paying a big price on the first experience of the Europa League," added De Zerbi. "The second experience can be easier.

"It is important for the players and for the organisation of the club as it is mostly down to experience in that competition. You have to know what it’s like playing within three days and it was our first time in our history."

Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at Burnley.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Full-back Tariq Lamptey, who played the whole of the defeat by Arsenal, will miss the trip to Lancashire.

• De Zerbi confirmed that nine players are still sidelined by injury and it remains "a tough situation".

• Billy Gilmour, James Milner and Adam Webster "could be available in the next weeks" after making good progress.

• Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck are likely to start together, with one playing as a winger and the other the number nine.

• De Zerbi said he "is happy and lucky to work" with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and that the club has two "very good" options.

• On opponents Burnley: "They are fighting and playing very well with a clear style of play. The players know what they have to do on the pitch and they are aggressive with and without the ball."

• He said Brighton "have a real chance" of qualifying for Europe again but that starts with believing they can and winning games. He added: "It is tough because there are a lot of strong and very good teams, but we have the chance."

• On a second successive season in Europe: "This season we are paying a big price on it being the first experience of European football. But the second can be easier."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences here

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Burnley manager Vincent Kompany has described Brighton as "unique opposition" before their Premier League meeting at Turf Moor on Saturday.

The Seagulls shared the points with Kompany's side at Amex Stadium in December.

"Without necessarily being classed as one of the big six teams in this league, they've managed to establish themselves with all the habits of the top teams," Kompany said in his pre-match news conference.

"They force the opposition teams to adapt. For a team like Brighton to demand that even from the bigger teams is pretty exceptional. It doesn't matter if it's the top six against them [or other teams], they have to adapt their game to play against Brighton."

On what he expects the Seagulls' style of play to be like on Saturday, Kompany added: "Usually you can line up in a zonal press, but they will find the positions in between the lines. They will then create overloads and find the free man between the lines.

"If you line up with a man-orientated press, they have movement patterns to create space to go in behind. They have really good control of the tempo of the ball and the angles they need to make to be able retain possession. They have a goalkeeper who is essentially an outfield player and when they lose the ball they recover it as quickly as possible.

"It's not happened overnight, it's taken them years to do that. They are where they are because they've probably had this idea for a long time already."

Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's game between Burnley and Brighton in the Premier League.

• Burnley have won just one of their last seven Premier League meetings with Brighton (D4 L2), a 3-0 win at the Amex Stadium in February 2022.

• Brighton failed to score in just two of their 41 Premier League games in 2023, netting in a club record 32 consecutive league games last year. In 2024, the Seagulls have failed to score in more different Premier League games than any other side, as they have not scored in six of their 12 games so far.

• Only Manchester City (12) have scored more goals from outside the box in the Premier League this season than Burnley (9), with a league-high 28% of the Clarets’ goals this term coming from distance (9/32).

• Brighton have made 119 changes to their starting XI in the Premier League this season, 33 more than any other side. Their current rate of 3.84 changes per game is the highest in a single campaign in Premier League history.

• Burnley concede an average of 2.2 goals per game in the Premier League with James Trafford in goal this season (62 in 28 games), compared to 1.3 with Arijanet Muric between the sticks (5 in 4).

• Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke has made more ball carries (726) and carried the ball a further distance (7135.5 metres) than any other player in the Premier League this season.

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Danish journalist Daniel Nojsen has been speaking on BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast about Ibrahim Osman, who will be joining Brighton in the Summer.

He watched the 19-year-old for FC Nordsjalland at the weekend and said the youngster "was the man of the moment" and made reigning champions FC Copenhagen "look like some Sunday league team".

"He's by far best as a left-winger - that's where he's had most of his games where he's been at his best," Said Nojsen.

"He has amazing speed, amazing dribbling ability and he's very keen to get on the ball. He likes to get into one-on-one situations where he can use his speed and his technical skills.

"In the game against FC Copenhagen he was more like a striker. FC Nordsjalland is a team with so much speed, so much technical play and so much possession so they don't really need that big striker - it's likely that they're all over the field so that suits Osman well.

"One of the things I have noticed is that he's had some trouble during this season because Nordsjalland brought in Andreas Schjelderup (on loan from Benfica) who was by far the best player in the Superliga amongst some others.

"He plays on the left side and that made it a bit difficult (for Osman) in the beginning because he was made to play on the right and he had some troubles with that.

"It took some time for him to adapt - but now he is doing good.

"He has a lot of things to develop still. But the things he is good at, he is really, really good at and I understand why many teams would love to have him on board. I think Brighton will see a very, very special player."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Brighton midfielder Jack Hinshelwood has signed a new contract with the club.

The 18 year-old, who has made 17 appearances this season, has extended his stay at Amex Stadium until 2028.

Hinshelwood is sidelined by a foot injury and will not feature again this campaign.

"Jack is a role model and his journey is an inspiring one for all the players in our academy," said Albion technical director David Weir.

"The way he has transitioned into the first-team squad was impressive and we are all very proud of his progress.

“Were it not for injury he would have no doubt played a lot more first-team games this season, but we are looking forward to him being back ready for pre-season this summer."

Manager Roberto de Zerbi added: "He has shown what a top player he is and he deserves this new contract.

"We miss him a lot and are look forward to having him back fit and ready to play."

Let us know your views on Hinshelwood's new deal

Up until this season, games against Arsenal used to be rather fun for Brighton. Take the trip to north London 11 months ago. The Albion won 3-0 at the Emirates to end the Gunners' title hopes, sparking a mass exodus of home fans before the final whistle. Glorious.

Not so much any more. Brighton have lost both games against Arsenal this season by an aggregate score of 5-0. It could have been worse at the Amex on Saturday without three fine saves from Bart Verbruggen.

There is now a gulf between two clubs who were previously evenly matched based on results. Obviously, it helps that Arsenal can go and pay £105m for Declan Rice. And while Brighton will never match that spending power, there is still a lesson there for the Albion.

Whereas Arsenal have evolved and improved their squad, Brighton have stood still this season. Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo have been huge losses, replaced by Mahmoud Dahoud - who lasted six months before being loaned to Stuttgart - and Carlos Baleba – a young, raw talent only now showing his ability.

Injuries have not helped, but the additional workload brought about by the Europa League was always going to require a deeper squad. Any review of the campaign will surely conclude the one put together was not deep enough.

The Premier League is a cut-throat world. Arsenal have spent big to improve simply to keep pace with Manchester City and Liverpool. Brighton went into the campaign with a weaker squad than last season, which now leaves a top 10 finish in doubt. Others clubs have caught the Albion up.

Not that the 2023-24 season is a disaster or anything. Give me finishing sixth while playing Marseille, Ajax, AEK and Roma, followed by finishing 12th, over no Marseille, Ajax, AEK and Roma but finishing ninth twice.

Having had a taste of Europe, Brighton fans understandably want more. To get back in the Europa League, the Albion need to strengthen accordingly. And that could make for an exciting summer.

Scott McCarthy can be found at We Are Brighton, external

We asked for your thoughts on Saturday's Premier League game between Brighton and Arsenal.

Here are some of your responses:

Brighton fans

James: I'm getting bored of this season and bored of Roberto de Zerbi. It's clear he has only got one game plan and he has no intention of changing it. Backing him in the transfer market won't help, as it will just be placing new players in a somewhat defective system. I don't want to sound spoilt, but I am utterly fed up of watching the same boring game every week.

Tariq: I thought we competed well against a top side. We were let down in the final third and the score did flatter Arsenal. My issue is Roberto de Zerbi's constant whinging about the squad's quality. A top manager gets them performing at the highest level and he surely knew the recruitment deal when he took the post. I can't wait for his excuses at Liverpool.

Sam: Brighton fought hard but Arsenal had the better chances. Brighton just kept passing it sideways and didn't really have any clear-cut chances. We kept giving the ball away in our own half. I think De Zerbi will leave in the summer, but I still believe Brighton can get Europe this season.

Luke: The contrast to this time last season is stark. We looked like an average mid-table team which, to be honest, we are. Selling our best players, consistent injuries that have plagued us all season and a manager that wants away, isn't a recipe for success. I just hope we can finish in the top half. There is no chance of Europe next season.

Arsenal fans

GJ: We have a tough run in to end this season and this game looked like a potential banana skin, but we looked calm and confident and were totally in control. We have got an almost fully fit squad and, if we can avoid any serious injuries, I'm feeling increasingly confident that we can lift a trophy (or two).

Cosmo: An absolutely brilliant performance yet again from us and another clean sheet. If Liverpool slip up at all, they will be in trouble. We have been unstoppable since Christmas and are statistically, in terms of goals scored and goals conceded, the best team in the league.

Chris: What a team Arteta has assembled. Havertz is looking the player many thought he wasn't. Rice is like a Bentley engine in midfield. The backline is looking every bit as good as the 'golden boys' of the past.

Vince: It is looking good because this was the second straight game Arsenal kept out a strong attacking opponent with the Arteta brand of Gegenpressing. Not since the 2004 Invincibles have we simultaneously displayed the flair to strike and the belligerence to hold, until now. Do that against Bayern and a Premier League and Champions League title double cannot be ruled out!