According to British media outlet The Argus, Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen revealed a special post-match tradition for the team this season: every time he keeps a clean sheet, he treats his teammates and staff to coffee. After Brighton & Hove Albion's 5-0 away victory against Coventry, securing their second clean sheet in the Premier League this season, he once again fulfilled this promise.

Verbruggen stated: "It's a small thing we've been doing this season. Every time we keep a clean sheet, I bring coffee from Flour Pot in Brighton to the training ground so everyone can have a cup."

Regarding the arrangement after this clean sheet, he joked: "They're already on my speed dial, and they already know we kept a clean sheet. So they'll be at the training ground at 11 am tomorrow. If you want coffee, see you at 11!"

Verbruggen also hopes to spend more money on clean sheets in the coming months.

In the match against Coventry, Verbruggen made three excellent saves, the most outstanding of which was a one-handed block of Jake Rudoni's volley. However, he was more satisfied with the team's overall defensive attitude than his individual performance.

Verbruggen said: "It feels great. You train hard to be able to perform in the weekend's game, and a clean sheet is a clean sheet. Even if I don't need to make any saves throughout the game, I'd be happy with a clean sheet. But being able to genuinely help the team, of course, feels very good."

"I think a very positive aspect was how we entered the game. Then there was a period where the game became more difficult, the opponents got several set-piece opportunities, and we had to fight. But we got through that phase as a unit, even scored a goal during that time, and then regained control. Compared to the previous few games, I think this is a big step in the right direction."

Facing Coventry's set-piece and throw-in attacks, Verbruggen frequently came out to defuse threats. He admitted: "It's difficult, really very difficult, especially those long throw-ins, they are very tricky to deal with."

"But I think everyone's focus was very sharp, everyone was really fighting. Sometimes it's just a scramble in the box. For example, Ferdi Kadioglu made a crucial clearance at the back post, maybe people didn't notice, but it was very important. Even if the ball isn't near you, you must always stay alert."

"We still allowed the opponent a few chances, and we can still do better in that regard, but our mentality was excellent, and that's why we were ultimately able to defuse the danger."

Brighton & Hove Albion had previously lost 3-4 away to Chelsea, and the team subsequently analyzed the defensive issues exposed in that match. Verbruggen stated: "Against Chelsea, where the problems were was very clear. Not just set-pieces, we had other areas where we weren't at our best."

"If you compare our start against Coventry with our start against Chelsea, the difference is huge. We have to perform like this every week. Against Chelsea, we conceded three goals from set-pieces, including throw-ins and corners. We discussed these issues, and in this game, we could already see our fighting spirit was better, and we pressed more aggressively."

"Of course, it wasn't easy, the opponents were good and physically strong. But this game is a step in the right direction, and a foundation on which we can continue to improve."

Coventry's goalkeeper in this match was Karl Rushworth, who previously played for Brighton & Hove Albion. Brighton & Hove Albion still have the option to re-sign him, but head coach Fabian Hürzeler has already made it clear that Verbruggen is the team's first-choice goalkeeper.

When asked if he viewed this match as a contest between the two goalkeepers, Verbruggen said: "Honestly, I didn't think about that for a second before the game. I don't focus on others, I only focus on myself and my team, trying to help the team. Today I'm happy I did that, nothing else.

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