Fear, anger or excitement - how are Brighton fans feeling?published at 17:09 BST
17:09 BST
The Premier League's return this weekend brings trepidation for some and excitement for others.
Football's emotional rollercoaster becomes intense at this time of year, unless of course mid-table mediocrity has taken a grip of things in recent months.
So how are you feeling as a Brighton fan with just a handful of weeks left to go?
The league form reads: LWWLWW
The next three league fixtures are: Burnley (a), Tottenham (a) and Chelsea (h)
Brighton can't afford repeat of last season's late drop-offpublished at 10:46 BST 8 April
10:46 BST 8 April
Scott McCarthy Fan writer
Image source, PA Media
Cast your mind back 12 months to the March 2025 international break. Brighton sat one point off fifth and with a winnable home FA Cup quarter-final against Nottingham Forest to play. Tony Bloom was interviewed at the Cheltenham Festival and said April and May represented potentially the biggest two months in Albion history.
Brighton lost on penalties to Forest in their first game back in action. The next four Premier League matches resulted in three defeats and a solitary draw against soon-to-be relegated Leicester City, rescued only by two Joao Pedro penalties.
That run of form returning from a two-week break dashed European dreams and hopes of Wembley. And it is not the only time it has happened under Fabian Hurzeler.
There was a three-match winless run in the Premier League in September 2024. Two months later, Brighton beat Bournemouth after the November break but then went eight games without another victory, including six draws.
This season, two successive wins after the November break were followed by a run of one league win in 13.
For whatever reason, Hurzeler and the Albion sometimes struggle to put together results when they have lost the momentum which comes through competitive football.
Which is somewhat of a concern given Brighton last kicked a ball three weeks ago thanks to the latest round of March internationals and no Premier League matches taking place on this season's FA Cup quarter-final weekend.
Four wins from five matches, with the only defeat in that sequence being a controversial reversal to champions elect Arsenal, has turned the Seagulls' campaign around from when Hurzeler was told by the home crowd he was getting sacked in the morning after the shambolic 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace.
A turnaround good enough to have sparked talk of Europe. But a top-eight finish will only happen if Hurzeler can stop Brighton turning to jelly after three weeks' inaction. The Albion can ill afford one victory from their remaining matches if Hurzeler is to secure an unlikely return to continental competition.
Fifth Champions League spot secured for Premier Leaguepublished at 08:19 BST 8 April
08:19 BST 8 April
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
The Premier League will have at least five teams in the Champions League next season after securing a European Performance Spot for the second straight year.
The extra place was confirmed on Tuesday as Arsenal beat Sporting 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
Uefa awards an additional place to the two leagues with the best overall performance across the three European competitions.
The race for fifth place in the Premier League, currently held by Liverpool on 49 points, is exceptionally tight.
Just seven points separate Arne Slot's side from 13th-placed Bournemouth.
Chelsea (48) sit in sixth followed by Brentford (46), Everton (46), Fulham (44), Brighton (43), Sunderland (43), Newcastle (42) and Bournemouth (42).
If Aston Villa, who are fourth on 54 points, win the Europa League and finish outside the top four, the Premier League would have six teams in the Champions League.
The same logic applies to Liverpool, who face Paris St-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday.
If either win a European trophy and finish fifth, then sixth would qualify for the Champions League via the EPS place.
If both win European trophies and finish fifth and sixth, that would put seventh into the Champions League.
Nottingham Forest are in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. They could emulate Tottenham by winning the competition and finishing in the bottom half of the table.
Just like last season, that would create a sixth team in the Champions League for the Premier League too.
'More to come' from Mitoma?published at 07:19 BST 8 April
07:19 BST 8 April
Image source, PA Media
On the latest episode of Albion Unlimited from BBC Radio Sussex, the panel discussed Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma's season so far.
Mitoma has been a vital figure in Brighton's success over previous seasons but has netted only twice for the Seagulls in the Premier League this term.
He did, however, score Japan's winner against England in the recent friendly at Wembley.
Johnny Cantor said: "I think in the past couple of games he's looked really fresh and I think that's partly because of the form of Yankuba Minteh, who has been playing in his position on the left. Maybe a bit of competition for places has given him a little bit of edge because he wants to get back into the side.
"He's coming to a bit of a crossroads. He's 29 in May so where does he go from here? Two goals and one assist in the Premier League is not what you want from a player who is so key in the way Brighton play.
"The way he started that goal [against England], he robbed possession initially in the build-up and was there to finish it, and we haven't seen enough of that.
"He is good defensively and he does do his defensive work, but I think there's more to come."
Cantor added: "Ferdi Kadioglu has been great, probably the most consistent Albion player this season, but he's different to Pervis Estupinan [at left-back] and maybe starting a new partnership has been a factor.
"Now that's coming to fruition and maybe in the final seven games he can go from strength to strength and recapture that form of last season."
Former Seagulls player Warren Aspinall added: "First of all the left-back situation before Christmas, he had so many different players with him. Then he got injured and he's not recovered fully, I don't think.
"Now he's got that understanding with Kadioglu, who is a natural left-back.
"It does take time to get over your injuries and that's testament to Brighton, they haven't just thrown him back in. Two more weeks off, a couple of half-games for Japan as well and he'll be champing at the bit for Saturday [at Burnley]."
🎧 Van Hecke future and Mitoma magic?published at 16:50 BST 7 April
16:50 BST 7 April
A new episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast is now available on BBC Sounds.
Robin Grey, Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall discuss Brighton's trip to Burnley, Jan Paul van Hecke's future at the club and Kaoru Mitoma's season so far.
Listen below by hitting the play button or head to BBC Sounds - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Media caption,
Albion Unlimited: Van Hecke future & Mitoma magic?
Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up
'We owe both a huge debt of gratitude' - Bloom and Godfrey to leave boardpublished at 17:00 BST 2 April
17:00 BST 2 April
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom has paid tribute to long-standing board members Ray Bloom and Peter Godfrey after they confirmed they will retire from the club's main board at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Ray Bloom, Tony's uncle, has served as a director for 42 years - the longest in the club's history - and will be recognised with the title of honorary life president of the club, joining former chairman Dick Knight.
Godfrey has spent 16 years as a director focusing on the clubs' commercial journey and was a key figure behind the American Express Stadium naming rights deal.
"Ray and Peter have given so much to this football club for so many years, and we owe both a huge debt of gratitude," Seagulls chairman Bloom said on the departures.
"Like me, Ray has the Albion in his DNA, as he inherited that same love for the club, from his father, my grandfather Harry. I know my grandfather would be immensely proud of what Ray has done for our club.
"Few will know that his loyalty, humility and quiet determination, alongside others, helped keep the club alive when times were incredibly tough, and his ideas and initiatives continue to benefit us today.
"Peter has been a trusted voice around the boardroom table for many years. His experience, perspective and sheer presence have helped guide the club through some of its biggest moments."
Long-serving non-executive directors Robert Comer and Adam Franks will become non-executive vice-chairs while Carina Bauer, currently chair of the club's Foundation and CEO of Brighton-based international travel event and exhibition business IMEX, will join the club's board as a non-executive director.
How does Hurzeler compare to De Zerbi?published at 13:58 BST 2 April
13:58 BST 2 April
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your questions on Brighton to ask our BBC Radio Sussex reporter Johnny Cantor over the international break.
In part the final part he focuses on Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler and the players currently injured and on loan who could force their way back into his squad.
Thomas asked: How do you think the quality of performances are this season compared to under Roberto de Zerbi? For me, too many games have come from poor performances and too many winnable games have resulted in defeats. Still not convinced by the current manager.
Johnny answered: Well Thomas that's certainly a difficult comparison to make over a lot of games. I think the team have played well in spells of games but have struggled to pull it together for whole matches on fewer occasions this season.
The style is different under Fabian Hurzeler and it has taken a more pragmatic approach to reap dividends in recent months. I think one thing to consider is that there were also a fair number of games under Roberto de Zerbi that underwhelmed but we tend to only recall the highs rather than the lows.
Albion have struggled to beat a few teams lower in the table with too many draws but the record against then bottom half reads W6 D7 L2 and there's still another five to go so could go both ways.
Richard asked: Of the players out on loan or long-term injured, e.g Webster, do you see a route to the first-team squad next season for any of them?
Johnny answered: Lewis Dunk has proved age is just a number when it comes to Albion centre-backs but there is no doubt everyone may need to be patient with Adam Webster as he returns from a season out. He is a quality player who was on the verge of the England squad so still has plenty to offer.
Brighton have lots of players on loan and many will get a chance to impress in pre-season. Carl Rushworth's future is still to be decided but as well as Brajan Gruda, Amario Cozier-Duberry and Malick Yalcouye have had decent spells this season. However, the number of Seagulls players heading to the World Cup shows the strength in depth and the difficulty of the task of breaking through.
Scroll down this page for parts one and two of Johnny's Q&A.
This is your Brighton page. Bookmark it, or if you're logged in on the BBC Sport app, press the bell icon at the top and select news alerts. If you're signed in on a browser, press 'follow' and you'll start seeing more United content when on the site.
Has Mitoma not been the same since Estupinan left?published at 11:08 BST 2 April
11:08 BST 2 April
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your questions on Brighton to ask our BBC Radio Sussex reporter Johnny Cantor over the international break.
In part two of three he focuses on Kaoru Mitoma's form and Fabian Hurzeler's use of attackers when defending set-pieces.
Ray asked: Hi Johnny, would you agree that Kaoru Mitoma has not been the same since Pervis Estupinan left? It is my feeling that Pervis took pressure off Mitoma with his overlaps taking defenders with him. Nobody goes past Mitoma now leaving him often facing 2 defenders.
Johnny answered: Hi Ray, I think there's probably a few factors to consider with Mitoma's form. The standard he had already set was very high! He has of course been trying to recover fully from that ankle injury.
However, there can be no doubt Mitoma and Estupinan had a great understanding. Partnerships take time to develop but Pervis certainly provided an added challenge for defenders with both over and under-lapping runs which in turn gave Mitoma more space. Too often it feels like he has two defenders to beat.
Ferdi Kadioglu probably doesn't get forward as much and is a different kind of player but I would say in recent weeks he has been progressive and has come close to scoring himself on a few occasions. He's arguably the club's most consistent performer this season. Given time Albion will be hoping they can work in tandem as a major attacking force.
Graham asked: When defending corners and some free-kicks, why doesn't Fabian put one or two attackers in advanced positions near the halfway line?
Johnny answered: Set-pieces have certainly been a major talking point in the Premier League this season. Liam Rosenior came under the spotlight when his Chelsea team suddenly took defenders out of the box against Arsenal to combat the inevitable onslaught from corners.
Does it work? The jury is still out. Danny Welbeck is a useful defender with his aerial power but I would say if Yankuba Minteh or Mitoma were hovering around the halfway line any opposing defender would be wary especially if Bart Verbruggen can produce good quick quality delivery up the pitch.
Keep across this page on Thursday for part three of Johnny's Q&A
Who are Brighton's transfer targets and will Van Hecke sign new deal?published at 08:12 BST 2 April
08:12 BST 2 April
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your questions on Brighton to ask our BBC Radio Sussex reporter Johnny Cantor over the international break.
In part one of three he focuses on transfer targets and the future of key central defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
Jason asked: Of the many alleged transfer targets who is the most likely to join?
Johnny answered: Yes Jason it seems the continuous stream of reports and rumours goes unabated. It is of course difficult to say for sure when it comes to transfers as things change so quickly but 19-year-old Koln winger Said El Mala is a name that seems to warrant interest as his name has been repeatedly mentioned.
He fits the age and profile of a Brighton signing. The difficulty for the Seagulls is that now they have a reputation for signing good prospects, other clubs are just waiting to pounce. Other teams have also now been linked to the German which is the challenge facing the Albion. The question being asked is 'if Brighton are interested, should we be too?'. One thing Brighton have done though is pursue targets over a long period of time and therefore the individual knows the interest is deep-rooted and is often more likely to be in the best interest for their future career.
Gerard asked: Jan Paul van Hecke has been our best centre back in my opinion. It has been reported that he is not signing a new contract. Do you think there is hope that may yet change?
Johnny answered: Hi Gerard, I think most people would agree that Van Hecke has been superb this season. He has taken his game to a new level, especially in terms of distribution and consistency and he's been rewarded with well-deserved international caps.
However, with that comes interest from elsewhere and in particular big clubs with big budgets. I wouldn't say it's been reported 'he is not signing' rather 'he is yet to sign'. Anything is possible and if Brighton were to secure a place in Europe next season he may be tempted to sign a new deal but the attraction of European football is obvious to a player who wants to fulfil his potential. Whatever happens Albion will want top dollar for a player of his calibre and they usually get it.
Come back later today for part two and three of Johnny's Q&A
Fans have their say on who could be surprise team in Champions League race...published at 19:42 BST 1 April
19:42 BST 1 April
Image source, Getty Images
With fifth position looking set to be a Champions League spot for a second consecutive season, the form of Chelsea and Liverpool has left the door open for another team to possibly pip them to that place.
Brentford, Everton, Fulham and Brighton might not have expected to be fighting for a place in Europe's top club cup competition at the beginning of the campaign, but with all four within six points of fifth place it could yet become a reality.
At the time of writing, supporters think the eight-placed Toffees are most likely to reach that spot, with the current poll standings looking like this:
"There's a lot of talk about Hurzeler but I think he's going nowhere," Aspinall told the Albion Unlimited podcast.
"He's in the best league in the world.
"Yes he's German, but what is he going to do with Bayer Leverkusen? All the spotlight is on the Premier League. If you're doing well there you get a chance to go to a big big club.
"Leverkusen would be a sideways step. He's getting his way of football at Brighton. He's had 18 months and he's doing OK I think.
"He wants to stay, it's just paper talk. Nobody wanted him when we were on that poor run and there were calls for him to leave Brighton. Now we've won a few suddenly the papers talk about him leaving again.
"He did a Q&A the other day in London with Paul Barber. I think he's very happy at Brighton and the only way he can get into Europe right now is being successful in these last seven games."
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
🎧 The push for Europe and De Zerbi's returnpublished at 18:33 BST 31 March
18:33 BST 31 March
A new episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast has dropped on BBC Sounds.
The team discusses Brighton's push for Europe, the international action for Seagulls players and former boss Roberto de Zerbi's return to the Premier League with Tottenham.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up
'Steele's story is one of persistence, professionalism, and quiet excellence'published at 14:32 BST 31 March
14:32 BST 31 March
Joe Sayers Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Jason Steele. Let's take a moment to truly appreciate what an exceptional professional he has been since joining our football club in 2018.
When he first arrived as a second or even third-choice goalkeeper, few could have predicted the journey that lay ahead. Following a difficult spell at Sunderland, many Albion fans questioned what the club had seen in him.
At the time, it felt like a quiet, low-risk signing rather than one that would leave a lasting mark.
Yet over the past eight years, Steele has proven to be far more than just a squad player.
He embodies everything you want in a modern professional: resilient, selfless, and relentlessly committed.
Beyond his performances, he has become a source of motivation and inspiration within the squad, a player who elevates those around him while maintaining a humility that never wavers.
By all accounts, he is also one of the most genuine and likeable characters you could hope to have at your club.
His patience and perseverance were eventually rewarded in remarkable fashion, earning him the role of Albion's starting goalkeeper in the club's first-ever European fixture, an achievement that speaks volumes about his journey and character.
While his recent England call-up may have raised a few eyebrows externally, Albion fans understand exactly why he's there.
Thomas Tuchel has clearly recognised Steele's value, not just as a goalkeeper, but as a dependable presence and an ideal figure within the group dynamic.
Jason Steele's story is one of persistence, professionalism, and quiet excellence. Regardless of what comes next, he has already cemented his place as an Albion icon, defined not just by milestones, but by the attitude and integrity he has shown every single day.
A win before the international break has given Villa just a little more breathing room in fourth, while defeats for Arne Slot's Reds and Liam Rosenior's Blues have left both clubs struggling to cement their place in Europe's premier club competition next season.
Their respective difficulties have given other teams, who at the start of the season could only have dreamed of the chance to secure Champions League football for next campaign, an opportunity to do just that.
With it all but certain that the Premier League will get an extra Champions League place for the second consecutive season, fifth is set to be enough to secure that ticket.
Brentford and Everton are just three points off that coveted spot, while Fulham are five points away and Brighton six.
Reaching form at the right time could be crucial, and if we take a look at the points-per-game record of those four chasing teams from their past seven results, it could give us an idea as to who has the best chance of toppling the traditional 'big six' teams for that final place.
If Brentford's PPG continues into the final seven games, it would take them to 56 points, while Everton's PPG of 1.7 would take them to 58 and just ahead of the Bees.
Fulham, meanwhile, have a form of 1.4 PPG that would take them to 54 points and not quite enough to overtake the two above, and in-form Brighton with 1.7 could get them to 55 points but that too would not take them past Brentford and Everton.
With so much left to play for and the pressure on the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool - who still have play each other - to reach their Champions League target, it could leave an opening for someone else to go on the ultimate European adventure.
Of the four sides eyeing an unexpected Champions League opportunity, who do you think has the best chance of sneaking into that fifth spot?
'Rushworth or Steele' - fans on next number one being in-housepublished at 10:16 GMT 26 March
10:16 GMT 26 March
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on who will be Brighton's first-choice goalkeeper next season, as transfer rumours continue to swirl around current number one Bart Verbruggen.
The Seagulls already have some options in-house with Jason Steele recently being called up to the England national team, Carl Rushworth impressing on loan at Coventry City, and James Beadle getting minutes in on loan at Birmingham City.
Here are some of your thoughts:
Miles: If Verbruggen goes then I think Rushworth should come back to Brighton and vie with Steele for the number one spot. Steele has shown in the past that he is a competent Premier League goalkeeper so, if Rushworth is not ready, there is no problem. If Verbruggen stays then I would've thought an extended loan to Coventry City would suit all parties.
Stoke: If, as expected, Verbruggen has a successful World Cup and moves on to one of Europe's super power teams, Rushworth will be Brighton's number one next season. If Verbruggen signs a new contract, Rushworth will move on to one of Europe's top teams for a lot of money (as is standard for Brighton).
James: If Verbruggen stays, he will be number one. If he leaves, then I think Steele will become number one and Rushworth will be on the substitutes bench.
Roger: Having followed Rushworth on his Albion career path since his early loan spell with non-league Worthing, his potential has shone out. At Worthing and each subsequent step-up, Rushworth has proven himself worthy of the trust of his coaches and teammates. Each step up has been a personal challenge which he has undertaken with unquenchable self-belief. Above all, he has earned the trust of his masters at Brighton and his time is now. Offer Steele a coaching role at the club before the FA pip you to the post, give Rushworth a season as understudy to Verbruggen, and then accept the inevitable and cash-in on our heroic Dutchman.
Is Rushworth ready to be Brighton's number one?published at 09:23 GMT 25 March
09:23 GMT 25 March
Image source, Getty Images
Former Brighton goalkeeping coach Jack Stern believes Carl Rushworth is ready to become the Seagulls' first-choice goalkeeper if Bart Verbuggen was to depart in the summer.
As well as Rushworth, Stern mentioned James Beadle, who is on loan at second-tier club Birmingham City, as another "strong" goalkeeper in the mix for a breakthrough at Brighton.
"When I left Brighton, I made the point to say that they had a collection of goalkeepers that was really strong, some of the best young goalkeepers in Europe," Stern told BBC Radio Sussex., external "Both Carl and James have continued to show that this year.
"They have both got huge potential. Just because of his age and experience, James is probably another year or so off being ready for that.
"At Carl's age, there are not many English goalkeepers in the country who have had the amount of games that he has had at a good level.
"Carl probably feels ready and he probably is ready. That's not my decision to make, Brighton have got some difficult decisions to make in terms of the goalkeepers this summer - but some good ones to make as well."
What do you think will happen in terms of Brighton's goalkeepers in the summer? Who do you think will be number one next season and why?
'I'll try my hardest every single day' in England camp - Steelepublished at 18:21 GMT 24 March
18:21 GMT 24 March
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele says being called up for England by manager Thomas Tuchel is "unbelievable" and something he will "treasure forever".
England have said Steele, who has not made a single Premier League appearance for Brighton this season, is named "with the prospect of him joining the World Cup squad as a training goalkeeper during the summer".
The call-up is the 35-year-old's first at senior international level since he represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics in London.
"It's been a very emotional week, for my family especially," Steele told BBC Radio Sussex. "I'm really looking forward to it, to meet everyone, and to show them what I can do on and off the pitch.
"My job is to come into work every day - like everyone else - and try my best. I try to have a positive impact every single day on everything I can control.
"I'm over the moon and really happy. I'll try my hardest every single day in training and see what happens.
"I'm not playing every week at my club, so a lot of people will question why I would be in the squad. He [Tuchel] has obviously done his homework and when I do get the opportunity to play, I always try to help the team as much as I can.
"I think I've shown this season that I train hard and prepare every day as if I am going to play, so maybe that has a positive impact on people.
"As a goalkeeper, no matter how good you are, you're always going to have tough periods so it's about having the resilience to come through it and believe in yourself.
"This club have been amazing to me. I was at my lowest and they supported me and got me back up there by showing belief in me.
"You have to have ability to play at this level, but mentality is probably the most important part. So I'm really looking forward to this opportunity and I'm going to go there and show myself."
England continue their World Cup preparations with friendlies against Uruguay on 27 March and Japan on 31 March.
🎧 In, out, Tuchel shakes it all aboutpublished at 17:07 GMT 24 March
17:07 GMT 24 March
A new episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast is now available to download and listen to on BBC Sounds.
Brighton striker Danny Welbeck reflects on the win over Liverpool and not being selected in the latest England squad, while former Seagulls striker Craig Mackail-Smith discusses Welbeck's Albion role and pressure for forwards.
Elsewhere, goalkeeper Jason Steele reacts to his call-up to Thomas Tuchel's England squad.
Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up
'VAR has sucked the fun out of football'published at 14:34 GMT 24 March
14:34 GMT 24 March
Scott McCarthy Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
When Olivia Rodrigo released Vampire in 2023, many theories were put forward as to who the song was about.
After watching Danny Welbeck score the winning goal for Brighton against Liverpool, I have a new one to throw into the mix - Rodrigo was referencing VAR for the way it has sucked the fun out of football.
With 57 minutes on the clock, the Albion retook the lead against the reigning Premier League champions. Potentially, a massive moment in Brighton's season to continue the turnaround in form which has had supporters going from worrying about getting dragged into the relegation battle to dreaming of Europe.
To the naked eye, it looked like the goal might have been offside. Welbeck and Jack Hinshelwood both had their doubts as they instantly looked at the assistant referee.
In the days before VAR, Brighton fans would have taken a quick glance themselves, spotted no flag and then gone ballistic with unbridled joy.
Not any more.
The celebrations around the Amex were half-muted. We learned a painful lesson when bodies were flying (or, as the kids call it these days, "absolute limbs") from a similar incident at Fulham in January when VAR ruled a Welbeck goal offside by a millimetre.
Nobody wanted to make that mistake again. And so Brighton players and fans reined in their emotions until given permission to partake in happiness by someone at Stockley Park watching a super-slow-motion replay with a ruler.
Unlike at Craven Cottage, the goal stood. And admittedly, the Welbeck celebration was worth waiting for. He leapfrogged 6ft 2in team-mate Lewis Dunk from a standing start in an astonishing feat of athleticism for a 35-year-old.
Welbeck going Olympic gymnast, however, was not enough to make up for the feeling Albion fans were denied the sort of spontaneous, unexpected moment of ecstasy which is why many of us fell in love with the sport in the first place.
