Christian Eckerlin chuckles when asked whether he deserves credit for Brighton's recent performances. He probably does.

The 39-year-old German MMA fighter spent three days with the Premier League club last season, teaching players wrestling techniques, head control, hip control, and how to physically hold their ground against opponents. Days before this interview, Brighton beat Arsenal 3-0 to climb to third in the Premier League — a result against the set-piece kings that underlined just how far the Seagulls have come.

Eckerlin is careful not to overstate his influence, but he does not shy away from describing the effect his sessions had.