Three things we have learned watching Brighton in the opening four matchweeks

Brighton have enjoyed a solid start to the 2023/24 Premier League season, winning three of the opening four games. They beat Newcastle United 3-1 at the Amex Stadium before heading into the international break, thanks to a fine hat-trick from Evan Ferguson.

In four league fixtures, the Brighton fans watched the ball hit the back of the net 18 times – 12 scored and six conceded. Barring the blip to West Ham, the Seagulls have performed well in the opening weeks of the season which should please Roberto de Zerbi.

As the season is on hold, it offers De Zerbi the opportunity to reflect on his team’s performances and make improvements in the areas that need to be. On that note, let us take a look at the three things we have learned from Brighton’s season so far.

1. Joao Pedro still finding his feet

Brighton signed Joao Pedro for a club-record £30m from Watford in the summer. The Brazilian—brought in to reinforce the attack—has started two of four games as a No.10 to play in behind either Evan Ferguson or Danny Welbeck.

Pedro continues to press well and link up play and was signed as a player who had a solid season with Watford last season in the Championship, where he netted 11 goals and registered a further four assists. But De Zerbi must find his best position soon as he is yet to add to his solitary goal from the spot against newly promoted Luton Town in Brighton’s season opener.

2. Evan Ferguson is the real deal

Evan Ferguson has understandably made headlines after his most recent performances with Brighton, with fans and pundits around the country in awe of his maturity, technique and strength at such a tender age.

The Republic of Ireland international has started the new season in great form, bagging four goals in four. The teenage prodigy netted his first senior hat-trick in Brighton’s 3-1 win over Newcastle last weekend, and it is no surprise his remarkable performances at the south coast have attracted the attention of European elites.

Ferguson is the latest of Brighton’s extraordinary conveyor belt of talents that we have seen burst onto the scene in the Premier League in recent years, joining names such as Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Kaoru Mitoma. It will be fascinating to watch how long the Seagulls can hold on to him.

3. Brighton still remain susceptible to counter-attacks

Three wins out of four represent a solid start for Brighton. However, their overall performances in the opening weeks of the season are not without negatives, one of which remains very clear susceptibility to quick, direct counter-attacks.

In all four matches the Seagulls have played, the opposition have found it easy at times to counter-attack and breach open the defence, resulting in an increase in goals conceded. Particularly against West Ham, De Zerbi’s men dominated possession but were undone by swift counter-attacks. Even Newcastle—with their quick forwards—found ways to trouble the Brighton backline on some occasions.

De Zerbi must find a solution to this issue before it costs the Seagulls more points this campaign.