I normally watch Brighton through the haze of multiple pints and a half-time glass of red wine. This can often lead to discrepancies between what I think I have seen on the pitch and what has happened.

Reviewing the post-game comments of Fabian Hurzeler after the draw with Spurs and defeat at Bournemouth, I initially thought this must be the case. Hurzeler seemed to have witnessed both games totally differently.

He talked about dominating and having chances at Vitality Stadium. My recollection was the Cherries having more possession, chances and shots on target.

After seeing Brighton squander a 2-0 lead against Tottenham on Saturday, Hurzeler said the two goals conceded were unlucky and there were a lot of good transition moments in the second half.

Did he mean the second half that felt like the Alamo with the Albion repelling wave after wave of Spurs attacks. Transition moments? Non-existent.

And I would not call leaving Richarlison unmarked in the six-yard box or Lewis Dunk missing an easy clearing header leading to Jan Paul van Hecke putting through his own goal unlucky.

Turns out there was no alcohol-induced warping of reality going on here. Other Albion supporters on social media were equally baffled by how Hurzeler had seen both games. Some presumably will have been sober.

This raises two possibilities. Maybe Hurzeler is remaining overwhelmingly positive about a disappointing start to the season to protect his players in public? In which case, fine.

More concerning would be if Hurzeler believes what he is telling the media. Because aside for the final 30 minutes of the 2-1 win over Manchester City, the Albion are yet to look like a side who can challenge for Europe – as is the stated aim.

Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton