Signs Are Still Positive for Brighton Despite Stumbling Start

Has Graham Potter done a good job at Brighton so far?

Well, from an outside view, the simple answer is no. He took over in the summer of 2019 after the club had just finished 17th in the Premier League, narrowly avoiding the drop into the Championship. Since then, not much has changed. The Seagulls ended the 2019/20 campaign 15th in the league, battling relegation until late on in the season.

However, looking closely, Potter has contributed to the project that is happening at Brighton and has reformed the team into one that plays a possession based, creative style of football. They have been one of the most exciting sides to watch this year and, with the additions of Adam Lallana and Joel Veltman and Ben White returning from his loan spell at Leeds providing new depth, they have affirmed themselves as a worthy mainstay in the top flight.

Despite quality in the squad and the players trusting in the free-flowing style of football Potter demands, Brighton will still have to endure a battle to avoid returning to the dreaded Football League. While they have vastly improved since the beginning of last season, they are by no means a finished product.

Surprisingly, Brighton have started this season shakily in defence. The Seagulls came into this campaign having done some of their best business internally, keeping hold of sought-after central defenders Ben White and Lewis Dunk.

The continuous rumours that surround the pair proves there's quality in that back line and, alongside Adam Webster, they look strong as a back three on paper. In reality, they rank fifth in the league for most goals conceded (14) and joint fifth for losses (four).

While they may struggle at the moment, it seems inevitable that the three will form and develop an understanding between each other throughout the season. When that moment comes, Gareth Southgate may have a selection headache before the European Championship.

Creatively, Brighton have had no problems so far this year and with the players in midfield they look more than capable of winning games.

The summer addition of Lallana on a free transfer was a brilliant signing for the squad. As well as experience and leadership, the former Liverpool player brings the ability to open up the pitch, as he has already demonstrated in a Brighton shirt. While the club's doctors are currently limiting his game time due to fitness concerns, the sharper he becomes, the more crucial his role will be.

Lallana's signing added to an array of midfield options for Potter, with the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Davy Propper, Steven Alzate and Pascal Gross all capable of creating chances.

It isn't just centrally that Brighton show promise and attacking threat. Since June, Tariq Lamptey has been a stand-out performer in the Premier League. The 20-year-old right wing back has been on the radar of Europe's elite since the summer for his pace and attacking threat, while also providing a no-fuss approach to defensive chores. On the left flank, Solly March is just as dangerous and provides creative flair from his side of the pitch.

The main area of worry for the Seagulls is up top, where they lack any efficiency in front of goal. They rank third for shots on goal so far this season in the league, but sit 12th for goals scored and have missed eight big chances - the sixth highest in the division. They have hit the woodwork six times already, which is the second most in the league. While this can be construed as misfortune, Potter will look upon it as wasteful from his strikers.

Neal Maupay is undeniably guilty of wasting his chances. The Frenchman has had 21 shots on goal, ten of which have been on target and four of which have resulted in goals. While he has a midfield behind him that will inevitably give him opportunities to score, the striker needs to start being more clinical in the box if Brighton are going to start winning matches.

Potter made another good bit of business last month as the club announced the signing of free agent Danny Welbeck, who made his debut against Burnley last Friday. While he might not be a world-beater as was once promised, the former Manchester United and Arsenal man could be crucial for the Seagulls as they look to increase their forwards' efficiency.

Welbeck, who has international, European and vast Premier League experience, could be the player who helps Maupay develop into the talisman Brighton need at the moment.

While it hasn't been the start Brighton would have wanted to see to this season, the signs are very promising. There's no doubt something isn't clicking in the team and while it stays that way, they look susceptible to opposition attacks and infuriatingly uninspired in front of goal.

However, once Potter achieves his finished product, there's no reason why the Seagulls can't to fly up the table.