Qualifying for Europe for the first time in their history, the 2022/23 Premier League season really was one to remember for the followers of Brighton & Hove Albion.
With Europa League football to look forward to next season, here’s a look at the Seagulls’ impressive stats and the reasons why they were one of the success stories over the last Premier League campaign.
Seagulls Overcome Disruption To Thrive
Finishing in sixth place in the table above the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea was an achievement in itself but to do it in a campaign with a managerial change was even more impressive. Brighton, who are 13/8 in the football betting odds to finish in the top six next season, saw beloved manager Graham Potter make the move to Chelsea in September. It was a turbulent time for the Seagulls, who football tips will have as outsiders at 4/1 to finish in the top four next season. However, the club’s hierarchy did their research and the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi to fill the void left by Potter has proven to be a masterstroke.
Potter had developed a style of passing and possession-based football that was not only popular amongst fans but was bringing results on the field. The success of the side and the manner of their football was what drew the attention of Chelsea in the first place and, while it did not work out for the Englishman at Stamford Bridge, he is still a highly-rated manager on British shores. De Zerbi arrived and brought his own ideas to the squad, while also keeping what had already been working at the Amex Stadium. It meant the south coast outfit finished the season with an impressive 62 points and means they will join Liverpool in the Europa League for the very first time next term.
The Numbers Are Impressive
Looking at the stats for the Premier League campaign, the running theme of Brighton being near the top of the charts is clear to be seen. Focusing on the numbers for touches, passes, shots and goals, Brighton never falls outside of the top-four teams in the stats. The Seagulls had the fourth-most touches (27,972) of any team in the top flight and were third behind Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League for the number of passes (21,280).
Brighton managed to record more shots than any other team in the division with 613 efforts on goal. Champions Man City were in third place with 600, while Liverpool were second in the standings with 605. With the Seagulls scoring the fourth-most goals in the Premier League (72), behind City, Arsenal and Liverpool, it just shows how far Brighton have come in recent years.
There was unrest when Potter saw and went for the bright lights of the capital but with De Zerbi at the helm Brighton look in safe hands. Their possession-based football has been a joy to watch and now fans can look forward to seeing how effective it can be on the European stage next season.
