Graham Potter believes his Chelsea team strike it lucky more often than the Brighton side he left behind for the Stamford Bridge top job.
Potter, who is wary he could get a mixed reception when he takes Chelsea to the Amex Stadium on Saturday, suggested an element of good fortune is the main difference between the teams.
He left the Seagulls in early September to succeed Thomas Tuchel in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Since then, Potter has helped engineer a turnaround in form with the Blues, going unbeaten across his first nine games, while his successor at the Amex Stadium, Roberto De Zerbi, is yet to win a match.
The Englishman does not feel Brighton – who have never beaten Chelsea in 10 previous Premier League meetings (D4 L6) – have been any less deserving of points since his departure, however.
“We all want to win,” Potter said. “The difference is luck. We’ve won our games, and maybe had a bit of luck, and Brighton haven’t had too much.
“Both of us are under pressure because it is a Premier League game, and both of us want to win. They’re a good team. Apart from luck, they’d have more points.”
Potter reaffirmed he is unconcerned by Raheem Sterling’s lack of goalscoring form, with the England forward having failed to score in the Premier League since August.
“I would say no, I’m not,” Potter said, when asked about the drought. “Raheem’s quality speaks for itself.
“It’s better for me to think about the team and how we can attack better and create more chances.”
Potter felt plenty of goodwill from locals on the south coast following his move to west London, but he is not sure how he will be received on his return
“The timing wasn’t great for anybody and sometimes that happens,” Potter said. “Most people I’ve spoken to from Brighton have been supportive, but I’m not naive, that’s not universal.”