Fabian Hurzeler can have Brighton dreaming of Champions League football after another impressive victory, but he will know there is a huge obstacle currently holding his side back.

A Joao Pedro-inspired Brighton beat Bournemouth 2-1 on Saturday, despite Carlos Baleba’s red card reducing them to 10 for a last-half-hour sack.

Still, it was just Brighton’s fifth away win in 23 attempts, and just a fourth from 16 in 2024.

In fact, the Seagulls have not won back-to-back league games away from home since September 2023, a shocking run for a team capable of challenging the best in the division.

There has been some improvement on that front this term under Hurzeler; three wins from six is ​​a much healthier return, with losses only to Liverpool and Chelsea.

But if the Seagulls are to reward fans with the Champions League qualification they spent much of Saturday’s clash chanting about, they must become a traveling force to compete with the very best teams.

Brighton secured another impressive win over Bournemouth on Saturday in a south coast derby

Fabian Hurzeler’s side are dreaming of Champions League football after a record-breaking start to the season

Joao Pedro (centre) scored and provided an assist in a magnificent display on Saturday afternoon

However, Hurzeler insisted his eyes were firmly on Bournemouth despite the chants at the Vitality Stadium.

“I’m not listening so they can sing whatever they want,” he said with a smile.

‘I didn’t hear it. I was focused on the game but I think it’s always important to make the Seagulls supporters proud because at the end of the day they pay a lot of money, they spend a lot of time supporting us and it’s our responsibility to give them something back. ‘

It was a disappointing end to Andoni Iraola’s 50th league game at Bournemouth, but what a job he has done at the Vitality Stadium, with 17 wins, 12 draws and 21 losses.

In fact, had they beaten Brighton they would have found themselves on 18 points, double last season’s tally from 12 games.

Honestly, it wouldn’t have been a surprise, which is a testament to how impressive the 42-year-old has been.