Speaking after the game, Jack Stacey highlighted the differences between Norwich City and Brighton as the Seagulls secured a 4-0 win in the third round of the FA Cup.
Georginio Rutter scored his second in first-half stoppage time to make the second 45 an uphill battle for City.
Julio Enciso and Solly March would add to it in the second half to confirm Norwich's exit from the cup.
"Before the game, the manager said it was a test for us to see where we're at. You can see we played a quality team who punish you when you give them chances. They are a very good team and they've showed that today," Stacey said.
"I think all the goals, in terms of the timing after the first one, when we're trying to get a bit of momentum and have chances, hit the post, then we concede. And from chances that we know they will punish you at this level.
"The second goal especially, but the third and the fourth in terms of the timing, during times in the game when we had the ball, that's the difference."
Stacey also highlighted the depth of Premier League squads compared to the second tier.
"If you look at most Premier League teams, they have almost two 11s full of internationals, top, top quality players. That makes the difference as well when you have subs coming on fresh, bringing experience and quality on to the pitch," he explained.
"I think that's natural in terms of the step up between the Championship and the Premier League. But, it was a good chance for other players to play for us as well today. Like I said, it's a good test to see where we are at the moment and there's a bit of a difference."