Brighton began their Conference League league phase the way a Premier League side should against modest opposition: calmly, and without drama. A 4-0 win over Kauno Zalgiris on Thursday night was built around two goals from Georginio Rutter, and BBC Sport's verdict was that it was as comfortable a win as the Seagulls could have asked for.
Rutter's night
The Frenchman scored twice and spoke afterwards in the same measured terms as the performance. He was very happy with the pair, but said the three points mattered more, and that the club was delighted to open the competition this way. He described Brighton as a good side in good shape at the moment, which is a hard claim to argue with given where they sit in the league.
Asked about being part of one of the highest-scoring teams in the Premier League, Rutter pushed the credit around. It is not one player every week, he said. Everybody scores and everybody assists, and the atmosphere in the group is very good. That is a useful thing to hear from a striker, and it matches how Fabian Hurzeler's team has been winning games this autumn.
Patience against a defensive side
The other theme was how to deal with teams that sit deep. Rutter said Brighton had to be mature and that the evening was about discipline. Kauno came to avoid a heavy defeat, and the home side did not rush. Four goals without needing a late scramble suggests the plan worked.
Jack Hinshelwood was also back in the side and clearly enjoyed it. He said it was nice to be back with the boys, that the team had been on a strong run and that he had missed being out there. Fighting for the badge, he added, is something he loves doing.
What it means for Sunday
There is little time to enjoy it. Brighton are third in the Premier League and host Crystal Palace at the Amex on Sunday at 14:00 BST, a fixture that comes with its own edge. A comfortable European night means fresh legs are available, though Hurzeler will know that Palace arrive from a European defeat of their own, a loss at Lyon in their first away tie. Brighton will take confidence from a clean sheet and a front line that is clicking.
Match facts: Brighton 4-0 Kauno Zalgiris, UEFA Conference League league phase, Thursday 15 October. Georginio Rutter scored twice. Next: Brighton v Crystal Palace, Premier League, Sunday 18 October, 14:00 BST.
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