Brighton & Hove Albion have made the most prolific start to a Premier League season in the club's history, scoring 23 goals in their first seven games. Only the Manchester City side of 2019-20 (27 goals) and the Manchester United team of 2011-12 (24) have ever scored more at this stage.
That remarkable output has propelled Fabian Hurzeler's team to third place in the standings with 16 points, just five behind leaders Manchester City. The Seagulls' latest statement was a 5-0 demolition of Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, a result that extended their winning run to five matches across all competitions.
Key performers and creative force
Pascal Gross has been the league's most influential creative force this season. The 35-year-old midfielder has created 19 open-play chances, with six of those classified as 'big chances' by Opta. Only Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz has created more chances but none of Wirtz's were deemed 'big'. Gross's relentless work rate is also a factor, with only two other players covering more distance.
The goals have come from everywhere. Eleven different Brighton players have found the net, the highest number of any Premier League squad. Charalampos Kostoulas leads the way with three goals this season, including one in the Palace rout. The scoring against Palace showed the variety, featuring a sensational 51-metre strike from Diego Gomez, the longest-range Premier League goal since Wayne Rooney's in 2017, and finishes from Yasin Ayari and Jack Hinshelwood.
Defensive solidity and tactical approach
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler said the goal glut stems from quality and desire rather than any specific training focus. "The goalscoring was down to quality and desire, not long-range shooting training," Hurzeler told reporters after the Palace win.
His tactical system is designed to win the ball high. Brighton have won possession in the final third 51 times, 14 more than any other club, forcing 12 errors leading to shots. They average 60% possession, a figure bettered only by Arsenal and Manchester City, and build patiently before accelerating through the lines. This approach has generated the most 'big chances' in the division, and their 23 actual goals exceed their expected goals total by eight, the highest overperformance in the league.
Brighton now face a stern test of their credentials with an away trip to Anfield to face Liverpool next Saturday. The Seagulls won the last meeting 2-1 in March, and they will aim to extend their perfect recent form against the side currently fifth in the table.
The report in full is at Daily Mail Sport
