Fabian Hürzeler laughs off Europe talk as Brighton shakes out 10-man Bournemouth | first division

Fabian Hürzeler is happy that Brighton fans are still singing about Europe after moving up to fifth place in the standings. first division with a 2-1 victory at Bournemouth. Brighton were in control after João Pedro and Kaoru Mitoma scored at the start of each half before Carlos Baleba's 59th-minute red card threatened to change the momentum.

He Bournemouth Substitute David Brooks reduced the lead in the third minute of stoppage time and Brighton were ultimately relieved to see Antoine Semenyo hit the crossbar five minutes later as the visitors held on for their fourth win in six league games. .

As the visiting fans chanted over and over about qualifying for European football amid wet and windy conditions, Hürzeler was in no mood to curb expectations.

“I don't listen to them so they can sing whatever they want,” Hürzeler said. “I didn't hear it. I was focused on the game, but I think it's always important to make the fans proud because in the end they pay a lot of money, they spend a lot of time supporting us and it's our responsibility to give something back to them.

“It's not always about winning, but more about how to represent the colors. What values ​​do you defend? And that is important for me because you can't win every game.”

João Pedro's opening goal in the fourth minute was an ideal start for Brighton. Danny Welbeck had exchanged passes with Georginio Rutter, who forced Kepa Arrizabalaga into action from 25 yards and the Brazilian hit the loose ball.

Bournemouth tried to respond and Evanilson had a goal disallowed for offside three minutes before the break, but it was soon 2-0. More clever passing around the home penalty area created space and João Pedro sent Mitoma to bend a shot into the bottom corner after 49 minutes.

Hürzeler praised João Pedro, who scored the equalizing goal in the victory against Manchester City last time. “In possession of the ball he is incredible,” said Hürzeler. “He makes the difference for us today. It is also very important to see how he works against the ball. Invest a lot without possession. He does a lot of shadow work and unseen work. That's why it's very good to have him as a leader on the field.”

Brighton had a nervier-than-expected finish after Baleba's second yellow card for a late challenge on Milos Kerkez in the 59th minute, but they held on when Brooks' effort was followed by Semenyo's rasping volley that hit the crossbar.

“It can't be a second yellow card,” Hürzeler said of Baleba's sending off. “It wasn't our best football game, but when we look at it from a different perspective, we worked hard. “We stay united, we stick to our defensive principles and we suffer together.”

Andoni Iraola became philosophical after the second consecutive defeat after a narrow 3-2 defeat at Brentford fifteen days ago. The Bournemouth manager said: “It was a game of small margins. I will probably look at the statistics and in the statistics we look better than them, but in the end they made the difference because they have been more clinical.

“We could have taken and we should deserve more from today, yes, but it happens again. When it happens at least twice in a row you have to improve things.”