What a time to be a Brighton fan. There was certainly a cause for concern at times over the summer, especially when star defender Ben White was sold to Arsenal, but the Seagulls are currently flying high in the Premier League, exceeding everyone’s expectations in their pursuit of becoming an established side in England’s top flight.
The opening day looked a tricky prospect on paper — Burnley away. With fans returning to stadiums this season home advantage has proven key in a lot of decisive fixtures, even this early in the league and while Turf Moore provided a challenging and boisterous atmosphere for Graham Potter’s side, they prevailed. Since then, Brighton have ridden the crest of a wave, losing just once in seven games to find themselves in the top six.
Although the betting exchange suggests otherwise, Brighton have a real shot at a top six finish this season. Despite spending the majority of their Premier League tenure locked in a relegation battle the Seagulls have built a top side and possess enough quality to remain consistent through the campaign. With that being said, here is why we think Brighton could break into those illusive top ten places this season.
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Manager’s Effect
There is a reason why Potter has been linked with so many top sides in recent weeks, he is a breath of fresh air for English managers. Since coming to the south coast from Swansea, a move which was considered a risk at the time considering he had no top flight experience, he has changed the culture at the club. For all the good Chris Hughton did when Brighton first went up, he took them as far as he could and in order to become a regular outfit in the Premier League a shakeup was required.
Potter has brought with him an exciting brand of possession-based football and the board need to be credited with trusting him with the money to bring in the players his philosophy requires. If Brighton can continue to dominate games, especially when they face the big boys, they stand in good stead to carry on their good fortunes.
Home Form
As mentioned before, the absence of fans in stadiums was felt massively last season, with the Seagulls amongst the sides who suffered the most. Since having crowds back at the Amex, Brighton have flourished with an unbeaten record so far. While losing Yves Bissouma to upcoming legal accusations will certainly be a loss, there is still plenty of quality in the side.
Neal Maupay has been in fine fettle this season, the Frenchman winding up opposition aplenty on a path to four goals already, half of what he got over the duration of the whole campaign last season. Brighton will need him as they have a tough few months on the horizon, with Manchester City and Liverpool looking to pick up crucial points in their respective title races.
Up for the Cup
It mustn’t be forgotten that as well as their good start to the league season, Brighton are competing on two fronts having qualified for the round of 16 of the League Cup, where they face a tough away trip to Leicester City. The Foxes have started the season poorly under Brendan Rodgers and having already bested them 2-1 in the league back in September, Potter and co. will be full of confidence that they can reach a quarter final or perhaps even go the whole way. It might appear ambitious from an outsider’s perspective, but the way the Seagulls have been playing anything is possible.
