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Brighton continue Premier League progress under Graham Potter

Brighton were among the most talked about and polarising clubs in the Premier League last season.

There is a school of thought, particularly among a certain generation in the football industry, that clubs of a certain size should be happy with simply existing in the Premier League. They should play basic, percentage football to maintain their status and anything else is seen as greedy. That chairmen who make moves to change direction are forever being warned to ‘be careful what they wish for’.

The fact that Brighton have been through something of a Premier League transition without the disastrous consequences often expected has upset the applecart somewhat. Sacking Chris Hughton at the end of the 2018/19 season was criticised heavily by some who felt strongly that the popular former Republic of Ireland defender had been treated unfairly. After all, he’d got them promoted, stabilised them in the top flight over two years and reached an FA Cup semi-final. There was ample evidence to back up that argument.

Among the fanbase, there was a sense that they shared the hierarchy’s desire for something different, ideally in terms of progression away from the danger of relegation but at least in terns of the style of play. Hughton’s work at the AMEX Stadium was commendable, sitting proudly alongside his work with Newcastle United and Birmingham City but it was time for Graham Potter, a former Southampton player who shot to fame in coaching circles when he took on Arsenal with Swedish side Ostersunds in the Europa League, before an impressive spell at Swansea City.

The change was always likely to be gradual but the secret to Potter’s success in keeping things afloat is the way in which he has evolved the team. Lewis Dunk is still the bedrock of the team in defence, now regularly alongside Adam Webster, although his former partner Shane Duffy is back on the scene after a stint at Celtic.

In terms of league positions in Potter’s first two seasons, as opposed to Hughton’s last couple, there has not been a great deal of difference, the Seagulls have never got themselves out of the bottom five. That has been spun both ways by Hughton defenders as a way of pointing to a lack of progress and by Potter advocates who say results haven’t dropped despite the change in approach.

Perhaps it was the fact that Brighton became known as the team of style with no substance in the Premier League last season that caused the biggest stir, though. Potter was often scrutinised for his team creating chances but not putting them away, expected goals stats seemed to suggest finding the difference between Brighton’s chances of pushing up higher in the league rather than just trying to survive.

They were seventh in the xG table and, while such stats are dismissed as a modern phenomenon by staunch traditionalists and can put be taken completely at face value, they clearly suggested that Brighton were not solely an entertaining team, but that their verve, energy and attacking intent was paying off.

Potter created a side that could breeze through passive teams. Brighton crushed Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United 6-0 on aggregate over their two Premier League meetings last season, with the Magpies seemingly caught off guard by the most predictable intent to dominate they were likely to face, but also take on the more expansive teams. They did the double over Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United, beat Liverpool at Anfield, won a five-goal thriller against champions Manchester City and only lost another to Manchester United due to a penalty given by VAR after the full time whistle had blown.

Clubs like Brighton do have to be realistic about prospects, their lack of spending power can restrict progress. But the Premier League is not nearly as cliché as some would have you believe and those at the bottom should not simply be pleased with their lot and sit tight defensively, hoping for the best. If they are going to lose games, they should do it trying to win them. Potter has proven that development of style is just as important and will eventually lead to greater results.

There is an exciting core group of players at Brighton. Tariq Lamptey has proven a hit already, Leandro Trossard offers direct running at pace, with Yves Bissouma driving the team on with his energy in midfield. It is a spectacle to watch them; there is a purpose and an aim beyond avoidance, that is all down to Potter and the addition of a striker could kick their hopes and dreams up a notch.

Benfica’s Darwin Nunez has been linked with Brighton and, while he isn’t proven in the Premier League, Potter’s ability to integrate and improve players who are unknown is evident. Nunez is a 22-year-old Uruguayan, predicted to have a big future ahead of him. Having started well in Portugal, his flame petered out somewhat but he was prolific in the Europa League, scoring five in seven.

Whether a striker comes in this summer or not, the season will be an exciting watch at Brighton. After two wins from two, they have started well and are exceeding their xG. Progress is steady but clear, yet if Potter continues in this vein, their biggest fear will be keeping hold of him if a bigger club comes calling.

 


 

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