Efan Ekoku explains why Brighton are staying up; predicts bottom three

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Brighton and Hove Albion have breathing space between themselves and Stoke City, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion.

Former Premier League striker Efan Ekoku believes Brighton’s composure in the final third is the reason why they will stay up this season and tips Stoke City, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion for the drop, the BBC reports.

The Seagulls have performed above expectations in their debut Premier League campaign thus far, and heading into the season run-in they hold an eight-point advantage over the bottom three.

With Brighton’s last five matches of the campaign coming against top seven opponents, many felt Chris Hughton’s men could be sucked back into danger but Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur was a huge confidence booster.

Co-commentating on the game for the BBC, Ekoku claimed Brighton’s ability to score at crucial times and their composure in the final third is the reason why their Premier League safety is now all-but assured.

“I think Brighton have enough points to stay up. They worked very hard and also showed lots of composure in the final third. That’s the reason they have that many points and I think the current bottom three are already down,” the former Wimbledon man explained.

With 36 points, Brighton hold an eight-point buffer over Southampton and Stoke who are stuck on 28 points, five short of relegation rivals Swansea City in 17th spot.

Considering the Swans’ final two games of the season are against the Saints and the Potters, not all of them can claim maximum points, therefore it really would be an incredible occurrence for the south coast side to fall away.

Brighton’s success has come as a result of consistency. They have not yet suffered four defeats on the spin, unlike their rivals, therefore confidence never hits rock bottom and in Glenn Murray they have a genuine goal-scorer.

The 34-year-old has 12 league goals to his name, more than Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata, while Southampton’s top scorer Charlie Austin and Stoke talisman Xherdan Shaqiri only have seven strikes each.