Profiling each of the promoted teams, Adrian Clarke continues his analysis of Premier League debutants Brighton & Hove Albion.
The second of a three-part series analyses the approach of manager Chris Hughton.
Hughton's core values
Under their three previous managers, Brighton focused on developing a possession-based game with a view to controlling matches through technical superiority and clever movement.
Since taking over two-and-a-half years ago, Hughton has harnessed that style with his own core values: defensive organisation, an honest work ethic, strong team spirit and an attacking mindset.
It is a blend that has helped them flourish.
Although not averse to showing tactical flexibility, the Seagulls manager is essentially a 4-4-2 man.
Without the ball he sets his teams up in two solid banks of four before breaking with adventure.
In possession Brighton will sometimes be patient and on other occasions they will play long early balls into the final third.
Switching formation
My hunch is that Hughton will favour a 4-4-1-1 set-up in the Premier League.
Knowing his side will spend less time in possession than they did in the Championship, he may prefer the use of an attacking midfielder who helps provide extra defensive stability behind the main striker. This would be a prudent move.
The early summer signing of Pascal Gross, a natural No 10 from German side Ingolstadt, suggests just such a change in direction.
At home against clubs closer to them in the table, a return to 4-4-2 can also be expected.
Seagulls' style change
| Passing stats | 13/14 | 14/15 | 15/16 | 16/17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short passes | 426.9 | 380.2 | 346.6 | 329.8 |
| Long passes | 68.9 | 72.4 | 85.63 | 80.8 |
| % passes long | 13.9 | 16.0 | 19.8 | 19.7 |
| % possession | 55.5 | 53.3 | 51.5 | 50.7 |
| % passes in attacking third | 28.0 | 29.0 | 31.4 | 30.0 |
As you can see in the above table, Brighton's philosophy has altered quite dramatically since Hughton took over from Sami Hyypia in December 2014.
Although not a long-ball advocate, the former Republic of Ireland international does prefer his team to be more direct than they were under previous regimes.
Hitting the channels or front men earlier than they used to, Brighton are happy to have less of the ball if it means being able to spend more quality time in advanced areas.
Breaking at speed throughout the 2016/17 campaign, Hughton's men scored six goals from counter-attacks, the joint-highest number in the second tier. This strength will be needed in the Premier League.
Under Hughton's astute management Brighton's players will unquestionably know their jobs inside out.
His smart, no-frills format will make them hard to beat.
