Dhaka Tribune Sports has decided to discuss last year’s performance, and potential of the teams in the forthcoming English Premier League, scheduled to kick off on September 12, provided the Covid-19 pandemic doesn’t cause havoc.
In our series of discussion Thursday, we will analyze various aspects of Brighton and Hove Albion.
Among the 20 EPL teams, Brighton have the least success in the top-tier, but the club are gradually making their name by becoming a regular participant in the EPL.
Brighton were absent from the top tier for a club record 34 years, and times were tumultuous as they were on the brink of liquidation, saw several ownership changes and had to play different lower tier leagues.
But the club had a good season in the 2019-20 campaign as the Seagulls managed to remain in the top flight for another year, their third in a row, finishing 15th with some decent performances.
Graham Potter’s side caught the attention playing some good football, and their hard work paid rich dividend as they ensured safety from relegation with two rounds of games to spare.
The improvement graph was also visible as they finished two positions better than the previous year, and gave their fans at Falmer Stadium, otherwise known as Amex Stadium, satisfaction by accumulating 41 points, their highest ever in the history of the top flight.
Brighton took a bold decision by sacking manager Chris Hughton at the end of the 2018-19 season despite a narrow escape from relegation, and appointed less experienced Potter for the following campaign.
Before Brighton, Potter had only one year of experience managing in English football, at Championship outfit Swansea City.
But that gamble paid off as the 45-year old English coach successfully survived the tough season with his young team.
Captain Lewis Dunk had a fantastic season for the Albion as he was at the heart of their defense, and also scored three goals and provided as many assists.
Dunk’s solid performance caught the eye of the big clubs, and Brighton will be keen to retain their star at any cost and move further forward.
The Englishman showcased good, steady performance, and alongside him, young French forward Neal Maupay also had a stellar year as he was one of the standout Brighton performers last season scoring 10 goals.
The 24-year old forward, who can also play as a winger, is a good prospect for Brighton in the coming season.
Highly rated winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh, a £17m signing in 2018, had a disappointing year as he was even consigned to the bench from the middle stage of the league by the manager.
But the 27-year old Iranian has the legs to shine in the forthcoming year.
However, in the transfer market, one Brighton player is becoming a regular topic among discussions, defender Ben White.
The 22-year old Englishman had a great season on-loan for Championship side Leeds United.
Leeds tried to sign him but the center back seems happy with the Seagulls this season.
He could be a player to watch for Brighton in the coming season if the club keep away the suitors, like Liverpool and Manchester United among others.
Potter’s side would like to show another impressive performance in the 2020-21 campaign, and securing another top flight season next year would be their prime target.
