Six things we learned from Brighton & Hove Albion v Everton

On the Button

David Button starred on his Premier League debut as he kept a clean sheet in the Seagulls' 1-0 win.

The 29-year-old has played for 15 clubs - including several loan spells - but joined Albion in the summer from Fulham knowing number one Mathew Ryan would be heading to the Asian Cup.

If Australia go all the way as they look to defend their trophy, the final is not until February 1 which means Button could play another six games - including the FA Cup tie at Bournemouth - if Ryan is not back for the match with Watford on February 2.

Button claimed an early cross against Everton to settle any nerves but later in the first half spilled a cross. He did not let that momentary lapse affect him as he soon made a fine save to push away a fierce shot from Richarlison.

Button made an even better save in the second half when he turned Richarlison's shot onto a post just moments after Albion had taken the lead.

It turned out to be a key save as Brighton returned to winning ways after a four-game winless run.

Taking your chance

Jurgen Locadia spoke about his frustration at a lack of playing time to Dutch media last month but has certainly made the most of his opportunity in the last week.

He has now started Albion's last three Premier League games and has scored in the last two. He got the equaliser in the Boxing Day draw with Arsenal and yesterday netted the only goal against Everton.

He appears to be playing with confidence and Seagulls supporters will hope he can continue his current form heading into the second half of the season.

Locadia has pace and power and a goalscorer's instinct of being in the right place at the right time. After a frustrating few months, Locadia will hope the best is still yet to come in a Brighton shirt.

Brave decision

Referee Andrew Madley made the correct decision in awarding Albion's goal but it could also be regarded as a brave call.

The 35-year-old took charge of his first Premier League game last month when Watford won 3-2 at home to Cardiff. Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock afterwards criticised the decision to make that his first top-flight match, calling Madley 'a trainee'.

When Jurgen Locadia turned the ball home from an offside position, the assistant referee raised his flag - but Madley had spotted the ball had gone backwards off Everton midfielder Andre Gomes.

After a brief chat with his assistant, the goal was awarded. It is the type of decision which the Premier League's best referees are expected to make and Madley passed a tricky test in just his second top-flight game.

Dutch master

Davy Propper has got better and better throughout the season for Brighton.

After a quiet start to the campaign and then an injury, Propper is improving game by game at the moment.

Playing in a three-man midfield with Dale Stephens and Pascal Gross seems to suit the Dutch midfielder's game.

He is always available for a pass, is comfortable on the ball and is beginning to look more of an attacking threat. A wonderful turn past Yerry Mina got the Albion fans on their feet at the beginning of the second half.

The challenge now for Propper is to add more assists and goals to his game.

Luck on Albion's side

It was a hard-fought win for Albion and you could argue luck was on their side.

The Toffees hit the woodwork twice in the second half as they pushed for the equaliser.

Richarlison's drive was pushed on to a post by David Button and with time running out, Kurt Zouma headed a Gylfi Sigurdsson free kick against the bar.

Brighton will say they deserved that luck for the way they defended against an Everton side who had scored five at Burnley in their previous away match.

Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk were outstanding in the middle of defence, while Martin Montoya and Bernardo were again solid and dependable in the full-back positions.

With 25 points from 20 games, one target for Albion now should be to better last season's total of 40 points and the 15th-placed finish.

Fortress Amex

Home form was always going to be key for Brighton in the Premier League, especially with how they struggle to pick up many wins on the road.

The Seagulls lost just four home matches in the top flight last year as they finished 15th in the table.

This season, Albion have collected 18 of their 25 points at home and yesterday's win over Everton was right up there with one of their best performances of the season.

They defended resolutely while looking a threat going forward. Liverpool are the next visitors to the Amex and the title favourites will need to be on top form to return home with all three points.

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