Potter deserves praise for sticking to guns, says Barry

Keeping the faith in the way they play has been key to Albion's recent revival, according to Gareth Barry.

The former Academy graduate was speaking ahead of Saturday's home game against Aston Villa, for whom Barry made more than 400 appearances after leaving Albion in 1997. He went on to play a record 653 games in the Premier League.

Albion have picked up 11 points from their last five Premier League matches, which Barry says is no less than they deserve after persevering with their approach.

“Brighton were going through a tough spot earlier on this season, but even when the pressure was on they stuck to their guns.

“Graham Potter deserves a lot of praise for that. When you stick to the style no matter what, the players feel at ease. They believe in what they are doing and the results have come good.

“It's very difficult to stop the rot because confidence and momentum are both key ingredients to success. When you're not winning, you start doubting yourself and the team's style.

“It's the hardest time to play, that's why the manager plays that integral role in keeping the focus in the squad, that belief that eventually results will turn and it only takes on result. Brighton have had a couple of huge results that will instil massive confidence.

“To beat the Premier League champions and to keep a clean sheet against that strike force Liverpool have, you can only imagine what that does for the dressing room. You could see the team spirit, it was great to see.

“It's easy to go 'we're under pressure, let's go back to basics.' You can tell that the confidence is there and hopefully Brighton can finish the season strongly."

Albion face a Villa side who have their sights set on a place in Europe.

“The turnaround has been remarkable at Villa” Barry said. “They're the most improved team from last season and the manager [Dean Smith] deserves a lot of praise for that. The players they have brought in have massively helped. Not only them, but also the players who had a tough time last season and nearly got relegated. That experience would have been a huge learning curve.

“They have all improved and raised their game, including the manager who would have learned a lot from his first season in the Premier League.

“Ollie Watkins is the one to watch out for. That role up front on your own is tough, so much is expected of you because you have to defend from the front and create openings.

“But he's got that relationship with the manager having worked with him at Brentford. He's been brilliant and he could have had more goals – he's had a few chalked off by VAR – and he will get better and better.”