Brighton Vs Bournemouth [1–1] – Premier League 2025/2026: How Game Management Shaped A Late Equaliser – Tactical Analysis

This tactical analysis of Brighton vs Bournemouth in the Premier League 2025/2026 examines a clash of contrasting game models at the Amex Stadium.

Fabian Hürzeler’s Brighton dominated possession and territory for large periods, while Andoni Iraolas side combined aggressive first-half pressing with a deep second-half low block in an attempt to protect the lead.

Brighton entered the match looking to extend their strong start to the new year and push towards the European qualification places, using a fluid 4-2-3-1 structure built on high full-backs, sustained counterpressing, and constant occupation of the final third.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, were forced into tactical adaptation following Antoine Semenyo’s departure to Manchester City, prioritising direct play, transitional speed, and defensive compactness.

This approach resulted in a superior xG output of 2.07.

The match ultimately became a test of structural dominance versus defensive resistance, with Bournemouth’s low block repelling sustained pressure until Brighton’s bench interventions altered the rhythm of the game.

Late changes, increased central overloads, and aggressive second-ball occupation culminated in a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser from Charalampos Kostoulas, underlining the growing importance of squad depth and in-game management under Fabian Hürzeler.

Lineups & Formations: Fabian Hürzeler Fluid Build-Up Vs Andoni Iraola Low Block

Fabian Hürzeler maintained his fluid 4-2-3-1 structure, which frequently morphed into a 2-4-4 in possession, emphasising high full-backs and a creative central presence between the lines.

Andoni Iraola, meanwhile, deployed a more traditional 4-2-3-1, prioritising rapid transitions in the first half before retreating into a compact and resolute low block after taking the lead.

Brighton & Hove Albion (4-2-3-1 / 2-4-4 In Possession)

Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was active in build-up phases and comfortable sweeping behind Brighton’s high defensive line, although his aggressive approach was scrutinised following the VAR-awarded penalty.

Jan Paul van Hecke and Jack Hinshelwood anchored the defensive line, with Hinshelwood continuing his adaptation from right-back into a more central role during build-up.

Van Hecke was particularly influential, later providing the assist for the equaliser.

Ferdi Kadıoğlu operated aggressively from left-back, advancing high and wide to create overloads and functioning almost as an auxiliary winger in sustained attacks.

Pascal Groß provided control and structure from central midfield, dictating tempo and circulation.

Diego Gómez was deployed as the central attacking midfielder, supported by Brajan Gruda on the right and Kaoru Mitoma on the left, with Mitoma marking his 100th Premier League appearance.

Danny Welbeck led the line as Brighton’s primary reference point, tasked with occupying Bournemouth’s centre-backs and facilitating combinations before the second-half tactical adjustments.

Bournemouth (4-2-3-1)

Bournemouths goalkeeper was Djordje Petrović, who produced a strong performance, making several important saves to deny Brighton’s wide attackers during sustained periods of pressure.

Alex Jiménez started at right-back and was tasked with limiting Mitoma’s influence, largely succeeding in isolating the winger in 1-v-1 situations.