Chris Hughton has hailed his subs as a benchmark of Albion’s progress as they try to topple Tottenham.

Hughton has made changes in the second half to help the Seagulls retrieve 2-2 draws from 2-0 down against Southampton and Fulham.

At Southampton on Monday night he had £45 million worth of signings on the bench, including record buy Alireza Jahanbakhsh.

Hughton told The Argus: “The strength of the team can be the strength of the bench.

“That’s why, when you look at the top teams and players on the bench that can absolutely change games, then you want similar, a bench that you feel can change things.

“I think with our recruitment in the summer it’s a stronger squad, not dramatically, but a stronger squad than we had last season.

“If you are getting wholesale injuries then it’s very difficult to cope with that - and that goes for every club - but I think we are in a better position than we were last year.”

Albion are a point better off than at the same stage last season ahead of a twin test against Spurs at the Amex (5.30) and away to champions Manchester City next Saturday.

Hughton said: “We have two very big games coming up as regards the level of team we’re playing against.

“Probably the pleasing aspect were the two games we played against Manchester United and Liverpool (won 1-0, lost 1-0), where the level of performance in both those games were good.

“Overall, I’ve been relatively pleased with our start so far but we have a massive game on Saturday and a massively difficult game.”

Albion have beaten Manchester United twice, as well as Arsenal, and drawn with Spurs in their last four matches at home against top six clubs.

Hughton said: “When you’re coming up against a top six side, fear is not the word but there is still always that nervousness.

“You know how good they can be and if you get it wrong on those days, then you can get beaten big.

“I’d like to think there’s more confidence in the team playing against the top six but it doesn’t take away from that bit of apprehension because you need to make sure you get it right.”