Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has acknowledged the need for a strong response following his team's first defeat of the season, as they prepare to face Tottenham on Sunday.
The Seagulls' unbeaten run came to an end in a frenetic encounter with Chelsea, where despite netting twice, they suffered a 4-2 loss. Cole Palmer delivered a stunning performance by bagging all four goals for the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
While Hurzeler found positives in Brighton's attacking play, he conceded that their defensive work must be sharpened, especially with the likelihood of being without Jan Paul van Hecke until late November. Hurzeler reflected on the importance of self-honesty after a loss, stating: "I think it's very important after a defeat that you are honest with yourself, that you reflect yourself on what was good, what was not good in this game and if you lose a game of course there are more negative points.
"We analysed these negative points, we discussed with the team about that." The manager emphasised the necessity for improvement and a collective effort to bounce back: "We're trying to find solutions, we're trying to show a reaction as a team on Sunday but again there were also some positive things, especially in possession.
"Chelsea scored four goals, I think we also had chances to score four goals so in the end we have to learn from it. I have to learn from it because I was responsible for the match plan and the match plan was not good enough. Now we try to show a reaction."
Finally, Hurzeler highlighted the team's defensive strategy moving forward: "It's a priority for us to defend better as a team. We are talking a lot about the high line but it's more like an active line. It's also the responsibility of the offensive players to defend the lines so that the opponents can't break the lines that easily, so that their players can't play a ball behind our line."
Van Hecke is poised for an extended stint out of action due to a groin injury. On Joao Pedro's ankle issues, Hurzeler remarked that it'll be assessed "week by week".
Turning to a brighter note on injuries, Solly March has been in training for recent weeks after a lengthy recovery from a severe knee injury sustained against Manchester City nearly a year ago, and he could be named in Sunday's squad.