Brighton and Hove Albion secured another three points on Saturday, with goals from Maxim De Cuyper and Jaouen Hadjam sealing a 2-0 victory at the Stadium of Light.

With the Seagulls in such exciting form, let’s take a look at three things we learnt from the weekend’s action.

Pascal Struijk’s somewhat controversial dismissal shortly before the hour mark left Brighton with more than half an hour to protect a slim one-goal lead. Understandably, Albion fans were bracing themselves for a nervy finish.

And Brighton certainly took their time to seal the points, with Hadjam’s goal only arriving in the 93rd minute. We have seen promising positions slip away before, and I suspect plenty of supporters would have accepted a draw when Struijk walked off, despite the positive performance up to that point.

Instead, Albion refused to let that one setback undo their afternoon. They worked harder, ran faster, and most importantly got the job done. 

If silverware is truly the ambition this season, these are exactly the kinds of tests Brighton need to pass. Saturday offered an encouraging sign that this side can indeed handle the pressure.

Fabian Hürzeler selected the same starting XI that emphatically beat Arsenal 3-0 before the international break. Sunderland away presented a different challenge, but the result was just as sweet.

Following Struijk’s red card, Brighton could turn to Lewis Dunk to help fill the defensive gap. Having someone with his experience available when a game suddenly changes is a considerable luxury.

Then there was the goal that sealed the win. Substitutes Georginio Rutter and Jaouen Hadjam combined beautifully, with Rutter supplying the pass and Hadjam delivering the finish.

Both were subbed on in the 88th minute, and were able to deliver the goods within 5 minutes of being on the pitch, that is utterly exceptional and speaks to the pure quality in the squad that Brighton have been able to build ahead of a massive season.

It will always be a debate, but there is a serious case for this team being the Seagulls’ strongest ever.

One underrated statistic from the weekend is that Brighton have now won three consecutive Premier League matches without conceding for the first time since October 2018.

Bart Verbruggen deserves plenty of credit. The Dutchman continued his excellent start to the season with another three saves, delivering when Albion needed him.

But this clean sheet belonged to the players in front of him too. Keeping Sunderland out whilst being a man down is a considerable feat, and testament to the defence's work.

The old adage says that goals will win you games, but defence wins you titles. Although it is far too early for to make those kind of conclusions, Albion are certainly giving supporters reasons to feel confident at both ends of the pitch.

Spirits in Sussex are high, and the timing for this strong form could not be better. Brighton resume their Conference League campaign against Kauno Žalgiris on Thursday, before the Big One on Sunday: Crystal Palace at the Amex.

It is a long season, but I cannot help feeling that Brighton are just getting started!