No celebrating if Albion stay up this weekend

A year ago today, the 1-0 win against Manchester United at the Amex sparked joyous scenes among the players, as well as supporters.

May 4 would be the date that safety is secured once more if relegation rivals Cardiff lose at home to Albion's arch rivals Crystal Palace tonight (5.30pm).

Even a draw would not be enough for the Welshmen, because of Albion's goal difference superiority.

Alternatively, the Seagulls could finish the job themselves by shocking Arsenal at the Emirates tomorrow (4.30).

Last season, after beating United, Albion lost 3-1 at Manchester City before bowing out exhausted with a 4-0 defeat at Liverpool.

This time City are the next opponents again, the last opponents in fact, at the Amex a week tomorrow as they try to retain their crown at Liverpool's expense.

And that means, even if a third season in the top flight is guaranteed for Albion this weekend, Chris Hughton will not allow his players to celebrate.

"No," he said. "What every club has a responsibility to do is to give their best in every game. We are also in a position that is still affecting a league position. "So, we will prepare the best way we can. We already know which days we'll be in next week and our preparation will be the same for City as it was for Arsenal this week.

“I’m hoping post-City we are in a position to feel good about being in the division next season. But for the next ten days it’s going to be about focused heads and thinking about nothing other than how we can get results in these two games."

Hughton accepts it could be an emotional weekend, depending on events in two capital cities in two countries.

"Yes, it will be but that's part of the game," he said. "I would rather be in a different position but it's us who has put us in this position.

"We have to cope with it and give our very best to make sure the outcome, which could be this weekend or next, is a good one for us."

Anxiety comes with the job. But outwardly at least Hughton will maintain his calm, level-headed style of management.

Albion's plight has not made him feel any more anxious than normal. "The job that I do, it's a pressurised job," he said.

"That doesn't change from the start of the season through to the end of the season. As regards the position we are in, would I rather be in a more favourable position? Yes.

"Would that make me a happier person, change my moods and so on? Yes it would. So what I will be doing at this moment is going through all of the emotions of a manager in the position that we are in.

"But I also have to be calm, I have to lead from the front, I have to be able to make decisions and as many good decisions as possible, and be as focused as possible.

"And I think in a time like this when we are not playing as well or going through a difficult period, if anything, my mentality is to work harder, to show a bigger front, to be lifted as much as possible because it’s still very much in our hands.

"And we are still at this moment in a favourable position as such. So I have to show that but, you know, the pressures that come with the job. And I would certainly rather be a few more points up the table."

Albion were when they drew at home with Arsenal on Boxing Day, then beat Everton three days later.

Jurgen Locadia scored in both games. The Seagulls, like the Dutchman, have not been able to kick on since then.

Hughton told The Argus: "That has probably been the story of our season, a very up and down season, and arguably in one of our better spells of winning games our level of performance wasn't so high.

"Firstly it's about how tough this division is. Every team has quality players and if we are not up to the levels on any given occasion, then it can hurt you. That would have been the case if I am looking at games we would have felt on paper would be more favourable results."

That was not the case when Albion went to Arsenal's North London neighbours Spurs 11 days ago.

It was the closest yet they have come to taking something from one of the top six on their own territory, Christian Eriksen's late strike foiling them.

A similar test awaits at The Emirates, except Tottenham were without Harry Kane. Arsenal, selection permitting ahead of their Europa League semi-final second leg in Valencia on Thursday, have Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

Hughton said; "Maybe they are different in what they have got at the moment.

"Arsenal have got two very good goalscorers in good form, both managed to score (in Thursday's first leg against Valencia), so perhaps a little difference in the type of players they've got, but on paper the same level of competition.

"Tottenham have got a wonderful, offensive side and, although they've had a difficult time of late, have had a wonderful season.

"You have only got to look at the offensive players Arsenal have got for what a big threat they are."