Thursday 25 April 2019 15:12, UK
Chris Hughton says his Brighton players must continue to "stand up" if they are to avoid Premier League relegation but is pleased with the spirit they have shown in their last two games.
Brighton succumbed to a late Christian Eriksen goal in a 1-0 away defeat against Tottenham on Tuesday, three days after a battling point at Wolves, and Hughton says there has been a clear upturn in their performances.
The Seagulls, who sit three points above 18th-placed Cardiff with three leagues games remaining, host Newcastle at the Amex in Saturday's late kick-off, knowing the Bluebirds could move level with them on points with victory against already-relegated Fulham earlier in the day.
Asked whether he retains belief that Brighton will maintain their Premier League status, Hughton said: "Yes, I think we need to go into every game, every moment, every training day as confident as we can.
"But knowing that it is a challenge. Whenever you have that type of a challenge you look for people around you, look for players to stand up to that challenge.
"Certainly in the last couple of games I don't think anybody could fault the endeavour from the team or a desperation to make sure we stay in this division."
Brighton have not scored a league goal since a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace on March 9, their last win in the top-flight, and Hughton conceded more chances need to be created for a change in fortunes.
"The way that you have to look it at is that it is part and parcel of the game," he said.
"It is the same for when you are on a poor run of defeats, it is about turning that around. The only way that you can turn that around is by hard work.
"We have found it hard to get the goals that we need to win games. Certainly that wouldn't be down to a lack of effort or a lack of offensive work on the training pitch.
"But you go through these spells. That is part of the job I do and every game that you play is an opportunity to change that.
"Sometimes that can change through a bit of brilliance and sometimes that can change through a bit of luck. But that is why we work as hard as we do."
Hughton has faced questions over his style of play during their barren run in front of goal but he remains pragmatic over how best for his side to achieve the points needed to stay up - starting against an in-form Newcastle.
"It's a game of football we want to win and you can win it in many different ways," he added.
"We are up against a very good team who can punish you.
"Yes, we want to score goals and win the game but we have to do it in the right way."
