Brighton and Hove Albion have begun the 21/22 season in fantastic form. Through to round three of the EFL Cup (third round tie tonight v Swansea, 7:30pm) and sitting fourth in the Premier League after five games represents Albion’s best start to a top flight season.
So let’s have a closer look at the numbers behind Graham Potter’s side’s excellent start.
Shane Duffy’s return
The re-introduction of Shane Duffy into the starting XI has been a revelation in the opening weeks of the season. Duffy, 29, suffered an extremely difficult year on loan at Celtic last season. The Irishman also lost his father last year and therefore struggled both on and off the pitch. Duffy has excelled in the first five games of the season, leading the pack for headed clearances (23) & bringing balance to a defence known for ball-playing defenders with a more ‘no-nonsense’ style of defending.
The arrival of Spanish flair
Spanish wing-back Marc Cucurella has slotted into Potter’s system with ease. Tidy in possession, versatile and pacy, Cucurella brings flair and energy to Albion’s left hand side which at times was lacking last season after Solly March’s season-ending injury back in February last campaign.
The impact of the Spaniard was clear to see in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Leicester City. The 23-year-old had the most touches (65) and passed received (38) of any Brighton player on the pitch. Cucurella’s introduction also allows the versatile March to be used in a variety of positions, including right wing-back, where he was deployed on Sunday.
Split striker system flourishes
As we saw more in the second half of last season, Potter deployed a front three, or a split striker with a number ten type system. Leading goal scorer Neal Maupay (three goals in five games) has begun the season in terrific form, Danny Welbeck (one goal in three games) has made a big impact since his move to the Albion last season and Belgian international Leandro Trossard (one goal, one assist), has also flourished in the early season games.
Much has been said about Maupay in front of goal, but three goals from 2xG so far this campaign is a representative of the Frenchman’s improvement at being more clinical. Of course, this could change, as the 25-year-old had a similar start last season with four goals in his first four games. Just four more followed in his next 30 appearances – Maupay and Albion fans will be hoping that this won’t be the case this time around.
Welbeck, 30, has had his fair share of injuries throughout his career so far. Seven goals in 27 appearances represents a good return so far in his Brighton career. The former England international has scored a variety of goals for the Seagulls – three with his right foot, two with his left and two with his head, demonstrating a good variety in his finishing that will certainly be an asset for Potter’s side when fit and available.
Trossard was impressive in the victory over Leicester, recording the most shot-creating actions (6), second most touches in the opposition box (4) and the assist for Welbeck’s goal. Albion have not really dominated games so far this season, much the opposite to last year but their attack has been clinical in front of goal, overachieving their xG more often than not.
There have been other factors of course to Albion’s incredible start, which sees them sit in the top four in the Premier League, such as the double pivot of the experienced Adam Lallana and the combative Yves Bissouma, Robert Sanchez’s continuous rise in goal and their strong defensive record. There are several reasons why Albion fans should be excited for the season ahead. With games against arch-rivals Crystal Palace, Norwich and Arsenal coming up, who knows where they could be a month from now?
Stats/images courtesy of the Premier League, Brighton and Hove Albion, Albion Analytics, Squawka, & FBref.
Written by Joe Glayshier.
JG Writes 