Chris Hughton keen to keep Brighton players level-headed
Friday 27 October 2017 15:06, UK
Chris Hughton is keen to keep his Brighton players level-headed following their 3-0 victory over West Ham United last weekend.
The Seagulls picked up their first Premier League away win at the London Stadium and enter this Sunday's clash against near-neighbours Southampton on a high.
Brighton sit 12th in the table but Hughton does not want the players to get ahead of themselves despite a solid start to the season.
He said: "There is always that potential of over confidence, but it is my job to make sure we are level-headed and preparation is right going into every game.
"What we have learnt so far in this division is if your performance levels are like they were at West Ham, then you have a great chance of winning those games.
"West Ham showed that themselves in midweek against Tottenham so it is my responsibility to keep my players grounded."
Live Nissan Super Sunday
Albion welcome Southampton to the Amex Stadium this weekend, live on Sky Sports Premier League, having not lost at home since their opening day defeat to Manchester City, but the Brighton manager is fully aware of the threat the Saints will pose.
Hughton added: "Southampton are a wonderfully gifted team and that makes it a very difficult game on Sunday.
"We will have to be good at both ends. They have the ability to play the game a certain way and I don't think they will change that.
"You also have to give them credit for how they have performed in this division. They play an excellent brand of football and they have also got that balance right between bringing youth through and maintaining good positions in the league."
Hughton has been boosted ahead of this clash with their south-coast rivals as striker Tomer Hemed is available for selection following his three-match ban. The Israel international was found guilty of violent conduct in Brighton's 1-0 win over Newcastle last month.
Apart from Steve Sidwell, who Hughton says 'could be out for a while' with a back injury, the Brighton manager has a full squad at his disposal for this weekend.
"It is a huge boost (to have Hemed back)," added Hughton. "Tomer was in a very good form before October so it is good to have him back.
"He has been very good since he last played for us. He played twice during the international break which helped him so in regards to his level, he has not been out for a full four week period because has played rather than just trained .
"He has been very good because he has started the season well."
