Graham Potter's adventurous style of football risks Brighton's Premier League safety

"I certainly don’t think it’s a gamble."

- Tony Bloom

Those were the words of chairman Tony Bloom, a man who knows a thing or two about gambling, the day he unveiled Graham Potter as Brighton's new manager.

The Potter announcement came a week after fan favourite Chris Hughton lost his job despite keeping the Seagulls in the Premier League for the second successive season. The reason given was three wins from 23 Premier League matches had put Brighton's top flight status 'at significant risk'.

Even with the poor run of form, the dismissal came as a shock for many Albion fans. Hughton had cemented himself as a club legend after taking Brighton to the Premier League for the first time in the club's history.

So why did Hughton get the sack after achieving so much?

Brighton's reputation as a solid defensive unit was called into question when Bournemouth inflicted their heaviest home defeat since 1973, beating the Seagulls 5-0.

The biggest factor was the football itself, which had turned from dull-yet-effective to incredibly boring. Fans were often subjected to a set up determined to grind out 1-0 wins, but the negative style proved to be the final straw for a frustrated Bloom.

It'll be two years in the summer since Potter's appointment, so have Bloom's initial thoughts remained true?

Born in Solihull, made in Sweden

Unsurprisingly, Bloom wanted Hughton's successor to bring entertaining football to the Amex. So in came Potter, who during his time with Östersunds FK and Swansea had built up a reputation of expansive attacking football.

During his season in the Championship, only Leeds and Brentford averaged a higher percentage of possession per game than Swansea’s 56.43. No team completed more passes per 90 minutes (451.17) than the Swans.

It's easy to see why Bloom thought Potter was the man to transform the footballing philosophy of the club to exciting and entertaining for the fans.

On the pitch, Potter has delivered. The football is unrecognisable compared to the Hughton era. Potter has installed a more progressive style of play, alongside tactical flexibility.

Even Pep Guardiola recently remarked on Brighton's impressive style following their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad: “They are good players, they have good build-up. Every pass makes sense, every movement of the people between the lines and up front makes sense. When I saw all the games, I see them being better than the opponent.”

How do Potter and Hughton compare?

There have been clear advantages to Potter’s expansive tactics. Hughton’s team was predictable, whereas Potter's constant formation changes makes it harder for teams to plan against Brighton.

But has this improved results?

When comparing the two managers' first 50 Premier League games in charge of Brighton, Potter actually comes off worse. He has picked up three fewer points than Hughton and has a worse record at home, suffering twice as many defeats at the Amex.

There's no doubt that Brighton have more licence to be brave and attack under the new regime. This season, the Seagulls have averaged 12 shots per game, the eighth highest in the league. 

The main issue has been the amount of chances taken. Only 28% of their shots have been on target, the worst ratio in the Premier League.  

Brighton have particularly struggled at home this season, only managing one win, though a recent run of six Premier League games without a loss has placed the Seagulls 15th, eight points ahead of the relegation zone.

Has Graham Potter been a gamble?

Potter is building an exciting side, with ball players like Alexis Mac Allister, Neal Maupay and Adam Lallana giving Brighton an identity. They can cause any team problems.

Recent 1-0 wins against Tottenham and Liverpool are perfect demonstrations of Brighton’s progress under Potter. They were deserved victories, with Brighton taking more shots than their opposition on both occasions.

But despite all the brilliant progress, it has come at the risk of their Premier League status. Brighton finished 15th last season, only seven points above the relegation zone, though a recent run of good form has changed the outlook of this season.

Under Hughton, Brighton were well drilled defensively and Glenn Murray’s goals and physicality up front was enough to keep the Seagulls in the division for two successive seasons. 

At times under Potter, Brighton have looked lost and unsure of the system they have been instructed to play in. Thankfully since the turn of the year something has clicked for the Seagulls and results have improved along with the performances.

On the whole, this season has been a frustrating one for Albion fans, with a lot of good performances but no killer instinct to win games. They are still very dependent on Maupay, who has seven Premier League goals so far this campaign.

There is a long term project here which has looked promising so far, but installing a new philosophy takes time. Considering the squad Potter inherited was so defensive minded, he has done a remarkable job.

Bloom was frustrated with Hughton's negative style of football, which is why he opted for an inexperienced but exciting manager. That was a huge gamble which at the moment looks to be paying off.

But if the Seagulls go on another poor run and end up getting relegated, fans and even Bloom himself will regret ousting Hughton's boring yet effective football.