Brighton’s bench power strengthens European push under Hurzeler | OneFootball

Brighton’s bench power is fuelling their European push after a 2-0 win at Burnley. Fabian Hurzeler says improved availability is finally creating real competition and options. According to NY Times, maintaining that availability will be vital over the run-in.

Leading through Mats Wieffer’s strike just before half-time, Hurzeler refreshed his attack from the 75th minute. Carlos Baleba and Georginio Rutter came on, then Kaoru Mitoma replaced Yankuba Minteh on 80. Mitoma’s only start since early March was Japan’s 1-0 win over England at Wembley.

Baleba joined Pascal Gross in midfield, pushing Yasin Ayari into the No 10 role. Mitoma and Ayari helped create Wieffer’s second in the 89th minute, underlining Brighton’s capacity to change games from the bench.

Diego Gomez featured on the right until the 88th minute before Joel Veltman replaced him. He avoided a 10th booking that would have meant suspensions for Tottenham and Chelsea. Earlier, Maxime Esteve was cautioned for a high challenge on him.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium suits Gomez, his first Brighton goal was a curling strike in a 4-1 win there last May. He has 12 goals this season and will be important for Paraguay at this summer’s World Cup.

Hurzeler says Gomez is in great shape, able to play wide or centrally with Mitoma and Minteh available. Hinshelwood’s move to No 10 has aided the revival. Brighton visit Tottenham on Saturday, Roberto De Zerbi’s first home game, with Solly March likely among the substitutes.

Source: NY Times