Brighton and Hove Albion sit third in the Premier League as its highest-scoring team, with the second-fewest goals conceded. Their start to the season includes a 3-0 win over league leaders Arsenal and a 1-0 away win at second-placed Manchester City. It has many wondering how high the Seagulls can fly, and whether they could repeat Leicester City’s shock title win in 2015/16.
One explanation for the start is a clear change in transfer strategy. Brighton used to sign players cheaply and develop them through several loans before bringing them into the first team, as they did with Caicedo, Mitoma, and McAllister. Now they are signing ready-made players who can contribute straight away. This has let them immediately replace the departed Van Hecke and Baleba with Vuskovic and Chema Andres. They have also signed several other players who give the squad the depth to handle a season that includes European football for only the second time in the club’s history.
On the pitch, several players have been excellent, including goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, teenager Luka Vuskovic and club legend Pascal Groß. But it would be wrong to put Brighton’s success down to them alone. The team is winning through collective performances rather than individual brilliance. Eleven players have already scored in the Premier League for Brighton this season, more than for any other team. Tactically, Hürzeler’s side has shown real flexibility. They suffocated Arsenal with an intense man-to-man press and shut out Manchester City with a gritty defensive display. They also comfortably beat weaker opposition, as in the 5-0 demolition of rivals Crystal Palace.
With Brighton third, and Manchester City at risk of a heavy points deduction, it is reasonable to ask whether Brighton are title contenders. Arsenal are already five points clear, though, so Brighton would need luck to mount a real challenge. A top-four finish and a Champions League place looks like an increasingly realistic target.
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