Fabian Hurzeler believes Brighton and Hove Albion were worthy winners in their late 2-1 victory over Fulham.

It looked set to be a stalemate between the two sides at the American Express Stadium, after Jan Paul van Hecke cancelled out Raul Jimenez’s well-taken goal in the first half.

But deep into stoppage time, Joao Pedro went down under the challenge of Harrison Reed in the penalty area, and the Brazilian dispatched the resulting spot-kick.

Hurzeler felt Brighton reaped their rewards, having shown the greater desire for the three points as time was running out.

"We deserved it," he told BBC Match of the Day. "We were the only team on the pitch who really wanted to have this win.

"We created [chances], dominated the game, and defended well. It was not the best performance from us, but I think it was a deserved win."

Brighton have now won six successive matches in all competitions, including four straight Premier League victories for the first time.

That has catapulted them into contention for European football next season with the club now lying in sixth position, but Hurzeler just wants his side to concentrate on their upcoming fixtures.

When asked about qualifying for the Champions League, he said: "It's not in the discussion. We have to focus on the next game."

Fulham boss Marco Silva wanted to focus on the positives, despite his side succumbing to a goal in the dying stages of the match, though he acknowledged they lost their way in the second half.

"I really believe we are doing well," he said. "We are able to calm down and not let them press as high as they like. We showed the personality to have the ball and play our way in the first half. The second half wasn't at our best level."

Despite the defeat, Fulham sit just four points off fifth place, and Silva believes there is still plenty to play for in the race to qualify for Europe.

"It's going to be a big fight, many teams are there," he added. "We have to take some positives, don't be nervous, and express [ourselves]."