It was always going to be a tricky season for Brighton this term, but there are a few good reasons why the Seagulls should retain their seat at English football’s head table.
The Premier League is as competitive as ever but Brighton have shown already they have what it takes to avoid the drop down to the Championship.
Mixing it with the best
Two of Brighton’s standout performances this season have actually come in games against two of the biggest names in the division. Both Manchester United and Liverpool were given a run for their money by Graham Potter’s men, who are 11/2 with Betfair in the football odds to be relegated this season. The Seagulls were desperately unlucky to be denied a point against the Red Devils, and impressed once again with a draw against reigning champions Liverpool.
While it was only one point to show for their efforts from those two games, Brighton produced some impressive football, especially against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side who were forced to rely on the woodwork on a handful of occasions at the Amex Stadium. Don’t be surprised to see Brighton causing a few upsets this season against some of the more established teams in the division.
Turning draws into wins
At first glance, two wins from their opening 13 games is not a pretty sight for the club’s faithful supporters, but Brighton have already battled for five draws in that time. No team at that same stage of the season had more draws than the Seagulls, which again shows their competitiveness in the Premier League.
Not only is it encouraging for the Brighton management that their team is proving to be a tough nut to crack, but also it suggests that with players coming back from injury and summer signings settling in even more, those stalemates could soon turn to wins. A draw at Fulham was a prime example of a draw that should arguably have been a win, and that is something Potter and his players will be working hard on over the coming months.
Welbeck could prove crucial
Brighton took a chance on signing Danny Welbeck over the summer but the early signs are promising at the Amex for the England international. Having been unable to keep Watford from the drop down to the Championship, Welbeck was picked up as a free agent and is really starting to look like an attacking threat for Potter.
With Brighton keeping their fingers crossed the former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can avoid any further injury setbacks, Welbeck could well prove the difference at the business end of the season. Thoughts of a partnership with fellow Brighton striker Neal Maupay are also getting fans excited and that is a pairing that will only get better with minutes on the field. Having only just turned 30, there are plenty more years left in Welbeck at the highest level, and his goals may help the Seagulls pull clear of the bottom three this season.