Brighton are 12th in the Premier League after Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Seagulls are winless in their last five and have gained two points from a possible 15. (Three defeats to Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal and draws to West Ham and Sunderland).
After the loss to the Gunners, Athletic reporter Adam Crafton posted: “Brighton have become a bit meh under Hurzeler?” It’s a simple statement/question that clearly struck a nerve with the Brighton fanbase as Hurzeler has divided opinion since his arrival from St Pauli in the summer of 2024.
Last season the German guided Brighton to a respectable eighth place, narrowly missing out on a place in Europe. This term the Seagulls have impressed in patches but inconsistent performances have seen them slip to 12th. They are however comfortably clear of a relegation battle and remain just two points behind eighth placed Brentford and above the likes of Newcastle and Tottenham.
At times this season it has felt a little flat and perhaps “meh” at the Amex - the 1-1 draw against West Ham springs to mind - but it’s easy and risky to take midtable in the Premier League for granted, as the likes of Leicester and Southampton found.
Here’s 11 reasons why Brighton are 'meh' under Fabian Hurzeler...
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1. Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton are currently 12th in the Premier League
Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton are currently 12th in the Premier League | Getty Images
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2. Man United unsettled Carlos Baleba
The Cameroon international was Brighton's best midfielder last term. Manchester United tried to sign him late last summer and the persistent speculation clearly unsettled Baleba. His poor form has severely weakened Hurzeler's midfield and so far the the head coach has failed to get him back to his best. It's been a major issue this season. | Getty Images
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3. Georginio struggles
Brighton's £40m record signing has struggled badly this season. The Frenchman was expected to step up this campaign after Joao Pedro's £60m move to Chelsea but it just hasn't worked. Georginio is best in the No 10 role but Hurzeler often plays him as an out and out striker. Brighton are desperately short up top and have an over-reliance on 35-year-old Danny Welbeck. | Getty Images
4. Identity crisis?
Former Albion and Palace striker Glenn Murray questioned Brighton's identity under Hurzeler, compared to De Zerbi. Murray certainly has a point... but also, PL football has shifted in the past two seasons with more emphasis on power, running, running and a bit more running. Brighton, along with many other clubs, are adapting. | Getty Images