Arabic version: دفاع برايتون الجريء يخلق مشكلات تكتيكية

According to BBC News, Brighton’s defensive bravery has helped underpin victories against leading Premier League sides this season. Fabian Hurzeler’s team sit third, behind Manchester City and Arsenal, and have beaten both teams. They are the league’s top scorers with 24 goals in nine games, while conceding seven goals; only Arsenal have conceded fewer.

Brighton press opposition goal-kicks high in a man-to-man system. When an attacker curves a run towards the goalkeeper, the movement is designed to block the return pass to the centre-back they had initially marked. The rest of the side applies direct pressure to individual opponents, aiming to force rushed clearances or regain possession quickly.

The approach can leave an opposition player unmarked, often a far-side full-back or winger in a difficult area to reach. Brighton accept that risk because they believe an extra player close to the ball improves their chances of winning it back. By restricting access to the free player and crowding the ball, they seek to turn defending into attack.

Hurzeler’s side also retain man-to-man principles deeper in their own half, rather than settling entirely into a conventional zonal block. They try to keep a “plus-one” defender in the back line while remaining compact through the centre. Players can step out to press, but also move back into midfield cover to avoid being drawn away from dangerous central spaces.

Against Manchester City, Maxim de Cuyper tracked Matheus Nunes as City’s right-back moved infield into an advanced position, leaving Brighton with a back five. Brighton can leave an opposition centre-back free, then shift players to trigger pressure and lock into a full man-to-man press. The combination of central protection, individual marking and organised movement has made Hurzeler’s team a difficult tactical puzzle.