A LIVELY League Cup run has been a rare bright spot on an otherwise disappointing start to the season for Brighton & Hove Albion.

Sami Hyypiä’s side reached the fourth round of the competition but unlike Cherries were unable to defeat Premier League opposition in the form of Tottenham Hotspur.

Second-half goals from Argentine star Erik Lamela and striker Harry Kane proved decisive as the Seagulls’ run ended with a 2-0 defeat at White Hart Lane on Wednesday.

Boss Hyypiä told the Argus: “I couldn’t ask more of the players.

“Tottenham are a good team with a lot of good players. If they make changes there is going to be a good player coming in anyway.

“We knew we’d have to defend and I’m very happy with the work rate and the effort the team gave.

“You can always analyse whether you could have done better on the ball. When Tottenham lost the ball, they were quick and strong to press.

“Maybe sometimes we could have played through the pressing and the space but I’m very happy, and happy with the defensive performance.”

Brighton’s form in the Championship has not mirrored their efforts in the League Cup with Hyypiä’s men having won just two of their opening 14 games.

Having finished sixth last season and fourth the campaign before, the East Sussex side are yet to beat any team outside the bottom seven.