Two former England internationals assessed Brighton’s 3-0 victory over Arsenal on Match of the Day, with the Seagulls’ win placed at the top of the running order for the Saturday night highlights programme.
Former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Danny Murphy led the analysis.
He had previously expressed admiration for Roberto De Zerbi’s work during his tenure at the Amex, but indicated that Fabian Hurzeler’s contribution had also won him over.
Murphy characterised the display as complete, praising the relentless intensity without the ball and the sharp, creative passing when Brighton were in possession.
He stated that no individual gave a poor performance and underlined the calibre of the opposition, describing Arsenal as one of the best teams in Europe.
Despite Arsenal’s usual comfort in possession when playing out from the back, Murphy noted that they were not given a second to settle.
The breakdown highlighted Yasin Ayari setting the press, with the rest of the side following his lead, and the team winning every header and second ball before regaining control of possession.
Even when Arsenal attempted to play around the press, Murphy observed that they still failed to keep the ball.
A counter-attack in stoppage time at the end of the first half, featuring a four-versus-four situation, was described as a deliberate risk taken against the quality Arsenal possess.
Murphy praised Kostoulas, who he said had been exceptional in recent weeks, for tucking away a finish brilliantly and providing the side with breathing space and a lift in confidence.
The first-minute intensity was also highlighted, with Brighton committing numbers high up the pitch and refusing to let Arsenal out, pressing two players to win possession and a throw-in while drawing the supporters in.
Murphy suggested the approach carried on from there and offered a strong example of what a side can achieve when playing together at the right moments.
He also commended Chema Andres, the debutant, for an impressive contribution.
Murphy concluded that Arsenal were second-best in every department, that the attacking style would not always come off and that Brighton would cause problems for opponents, with the supporters clearly enjoying the football.
Diego Gomez featured prominently in the pressing against Arsenal.
Alan Shearer examined the late flashpoint between Declan Rice and Malick Yalcouye.
The former striker agreed that referee Darren England was correct not to show Rice a red card, noting that Arsenal had been well beaten and that the margin could have been six or seven.
Shearer attributed the incident to frustration, explaining that Yalcouye had given Rice a small nudge, that Rice responded, and that the referee had issued a yellow card.