High-flying Wolves are no early-season Premier League fluke, says Brighton manager Chris Hughton

Nuno Espirito Santo's men lie ninth in the table, having lost just two of their first nine league matches

Brighton manager Chris Hughton insists there is nothing fortunate about Wolves’ impressive start to the Premier League season as he braces himself for the possibility of facing Nuno Espirito Santo’s men without top scorer Glenn Murray.

Murray – who has scored five goals in nine Premier League appearances this season – was knocked unconscious after a clash of heads with Federico Fernandez during Brighton’s 1-0 win over Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday and taken to hospital for assessment.

He was quickly discharged, but remains a significant doubt for Saturday's visit of Wolves, who lie ninth in the Premier League having lost just two of their opening nine matches.

“We've gone through the correct protocol with Glenn and so now we have to make a decision on him today,” Hughton said. “You always want everyone fit – but you never take anything away from the squad that we have.”

Brighton remain without midfielders Pascal Gross and Davy Propper due to ankle injuries – a less than ideal situation for Hughton against Wolves, who have impressed this season on their return to the Premier League after an X-year absence.

“They're not a side who've had the start where you think they've been a bit fortunate,” Hughton added. “No, I don't think they have.

Matt Doherty opens the scoring against Crystal Palace (Getty)

“I think they thoroughly deserve the points they have got. They've obviously had some big results, and I think they're a team that will do well this season.

“Whenever a newly promoted team comes into the league it can be a bit of an unknown. Their strength has been the core of the team that's stayed together and they have good offensive options.”

Saturday’s win over Newcastle saw Brighton keep back-to-back clean sheets for the first time this season in the Premier League, and Hughton believes the continuity in his defence is paying dividends.

“Last weekend's clean sheet was probably a consequence of the one the week before against West Ham – it's good to be able to see the side keeping them again,” he said.

“Saturday's victory [over Newcastle] was significant because of the opposition's league position – we soaked up a lot of pressure throughout and we had to defend very well.

“Lewis [Dunk] and Shane [Duffy] have played a lot of games together and that's really helped them. They've been consistent.

“We haven't changed too much over the last two matches but we've spoken about the foundation of the side and keeping a clean sheet - it's tough to do that in this division.”