The visitors took the lead shortly after half-time when De Cuyper found the net in the 53rd minute, giving Brighton a reward for their efforts in a closely contested match. Sunderland struggled to turn possession into clear chances, while Brighton remained disciplined at the back.
The contest became more complicated for the visitors when Pascal Struijk was sent off, leaving Brighton to defend their advantage with a numerical disadvantage for the closing stages. Rather than retreating into disarray, Hurzeler’s players stayed organised and continued to frustrate Sunderland.
Substitute Hadjam then provided the decisive moment in stoppage time, scoring Brighton’s second to confirm the three points and cap a resilient away performance.
Hurzeler was pleased with the response from his players, stressing that the circumstances demanded a different approach from the one Brighton had used in their previous victory over Arsenal.
“It was a different performance because we had difficult circumstances and faced different adversities,” he told BBC Sport.
The Brighton manager felt his side’s defensive discipline was central to the result, particularly after they were reduced to ten men.
“It was key for us today to have a really good defensive mindset. I feel it was a deserved win and I have to praise my players.”
He also praised the collective effort that helped Brighton negotiate the difficult final period.
“They really stuck together, faced adversity no matter how hard it was. They did the basics really well and that is so crucial in a game like this, especially when you are one man down.”
Hurzeler was less certain about the dismissal itself, admitting he had not yet reviewed the incident involving Struijk.
“In that moment I felt it was a harsh decision. I need to have a look and then I can judge it,” he said, adding that he had not seen a clear and obvious error that would warrant VAR intervention.
The manager played down the significance of Brighton’s league position, insisting the focus remained on improving their performances rather than watching the table.
“The table is not that important in this moment. It is important that we have this belief in our quality and keep producing these performances.”
The victory strengthened Brighton’s momentum, while Sunderland were left to reflect on a frustrating afternoon in which they failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage.