Captain Lewis Dunk helps give Brighton an uncompromising lead. Photo: Reuters/John Silby
From a distance, one might charitably assume that Brighton and Hove Albion are one of the “good” football clubs. The story of their comeback with Skint Records being the right sponsor; a cheerful seagull on the emblem; dozens of enthusiastic boys pore over spreadsheets in an underground intelligence bunker. What's not to like? A lot if you play against them.
Tottenham were terrorized by errors due to confused thinking in the first half and were punished every time they faltered. Danny Welbeck closed down Ben Davies to win a corner, the Spurs defender punching the air in anger. Seeing how his team was spooked by their pass, Ange Postecoglou, otherwise impassive, turned around in frustration as another ball went back.
The Spurs manager would have preferred his side to be on the front foot at all times, but Brighton gave them no opportunity for 80 minutes, playing with a physicality and pace that Spurs could not match. There were glimpses of vulnerability. Left-back Igor Julio was successful at times in the first half but was replaced at the break by Pervis Estupinan, whose weak link is bolstered by a defender who can accidentally score from 30 yards.
All this is directed by Roberto De Zerbi, who looks like a real nightmare to work on. A few minutes later he was berating his colleagues on the bench as if they were the ones who had failed to call a foul for a minor challenge. Any balls sent out of play into his orbit were caught or controlled, as if to make a point: set pieces. Even if it literally doesn't matter.
Roberto De Zerbi commands the respect and attention of his players. Photo: Reuters/Dylan Martinez
He knows how to listen to his players and it won't hurt him if the fans give him a siege mentality. After one controversial no decision, with the coach's attacks on the referees still fresh in his mind, home fans chanted: “De Zerbi is right/the referees are crap.” Deputy Andrea Maldera was also unsettled, going from bad cop to worst cop De Zerbi, who looked furious with substitute Carlos Baleba for failing to return quickly enough from the touchline warm-up.
None of this would work if it didn't get results or, most importantly, if it wasn't fun. Brighton's galactic recruitment strategy is making room for some players who are clearly past their prime. Danny Welbeck, whose career appears to be on the wane, looks absolutely energized. James Milner is still playing at the ripe old age of 83 and hit the post for 2-0 with a scream that could have brought the house down.
Brighton also have a lot of skill: Brighton's tenacity allows players to explore their talents. The first goal came after Joao Pedro took a circuitous but high-speed route past a baffled Spurs defence. Mostly, though, you notice Brighton's tenacity.
Hinshelwood opens the scoring!
Brighton's early pressure is rewarded with an early goal ⚽️#PLonPrime #BHATOT pic.twitter. com/CCPdrMkGex
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 28, 2023
Every corner was a threat, every high ball was contested with gusto, huge centre-backs Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Heck pushed their physicality to the limit. João Pedro took a light blow to the face from Richalison as an invitation to roll around like an anvil. Normally this kind of behavior would turn other clubs' fans against you, but Brighton's intensity does the opposite. Their obvious propensity for defensive errors helps.
A sloppy end to the game made the final minutes unnecessarily tense, and Brighton's at times frantic defense was finally punished after a number of offside calls. Dunk looked too tired to challenge Davies for Spurs' second place and the game, which appeared to be decided, remained exciting until the end. “I'm really proud of the last 10 minutes, not the first 80, because it's too easy to talk about,” De Zerbi said, suggesting his side will never get through Premier League matches without difficulty. “We have to embrace it because we are Brighton.”
Here's something for the neutrals, steel and softness together. From both sides, Brighton are fun to watch when they play like that.
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