European Super Football

 2023/2024 was another historic campaign for Brighton & Hove Albion. Let's explore what happened. This was the 122nd season in the history of Brighton & Hove Albion and their seventh consecutive season in the Premier League.  They also competed in the Premier League, the FA Cup, the EFL Cup and a debut appearance in UEFA Europa League.  Some of the match reports from their campaign. On August 12th, they welcomed Luton Town for the opening game of the seaso n, marking the Hatters' debut in the Premier League. Albion emerged victorious with a 4–1 win. This match also saw the debuts of several players, including João Pedro and Simon Adingra. Against Newcastle United in September,  Evan Ferguson scored a hat-trick to show off his extraordinary potential. Amy, a Brighton fan, was delighted with their performance. She said: "We played well against one of the best teams in the Premier League. All the fans are delighted with the attitude of the players. It has b...

 Brighton and Hove Albion 3 - 3 Brentford Brighton and Brentford played out one of the games of the season as both clubs chase European qualification.  Brighton settled into an early rhythm, keeping the ball well, and looking to get Solly March and Mitoma involved from wide areas. The returning Jansson was stepping out of defence to shadow Argentina’s World Cup winner, Mac Allister, wherever he went. That left space in the right centre-back position which Brighton tried to exploit. A brilliant Pinnock challenge was the only thing that stopped Mitoma from opening the scoring on six minutes - the Japanese winger racing down that channel and in on goal from Moises Caicedo’s through ball. From the resulting corner, Mathias Jensen got his body in the way of March’s close-range effort.Joel Veltman had Brighton’s next opening, again from a corner, before Brentford took the lead with their first real foray forward. After sending everyone up for a long throw, Jensen went short befo...

 Fulham 3 - 1 Brighton & Hove Albion Brighton slipped to just their third Premier League defeat of the season as Alex Iwobi's brace, coupled with an unlucky own goal from Matt O'Riley, secured Fulham's win on a wet and blustery evening at Craven Cottage. Author - Craig H from GMCR Football  Despite the dreadful conditions, with heavy rain and strong winds lashing the pitch, there was no excusing Bart Verbruggen's early error that handed Fulham an opening goal. Within just three minutes, the Brighton keeper attempted a short pass to Carlos Baleba inside the box, only for Alex Iwobi to pounce, intercept, and calmly slot the ball into an open net for his fourth league goal of the campaign. Fulham nearly doubled their advantage moments later, but Igor Julio’s crucial intervention thwarted Iwobi as he surged towards goal. Brighton fought back and found an equaliser 11 minutes into the second half. Jan Paul van Hecke delivered a pinpoint lofted pass to Joao Pedro , w...

Brighton & Hove Albion 2 - 2 Leicester City Caleb Okoli was the hero for relegation-threatened Leicester City as his second-half header helped end the Foxes’ eight-match losing run and dented Brighton’s ambitions of European football next season. Author - Jamie P Stadium - Amex Stadium Starting in place of the injured Wout Faes, Okoli powered in a diving header from Bilal El Khannouss’ pinpoint free-kick, earning a valuable draw for Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side. Earlier, Stephy Mavididi had brought Leicester level in the first half, ending the team’s long goal drought, after Joao Pedro had given Brighton a deserved lead from the penalty spot. Despite the battling draw, Leicester remain second from bottom in the Premier League, still 14 points adrift of safety with just six games to play. Brighton had taken the lead just after the half-hour mark when Simon Adingra’s effort struck the arm of Conor Coady, prompting a VAR review and a penalty, which Pedro calmly dispatched. Ading...

Brighton & Hove Albion 2 - 2 Nottingham Forest Both Brighton and Nottingham Forest maintained their unbeaten Premier League runs in an almost chaotic match which saw one player and both managers sent off.  The match at Amex Stadium ended with four goals, but in controversial fashion as Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White received a second yellow card for a sliding challenge on Brighton's Joao Pedro.  Referee Rob Jones then showed red cards to Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler and Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo for their reactions to the incident. Premier League: 2024/2025 season (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) A closer look at what happened The visitors took the lead when former Brighton striker Chris Wood scored against his old club with a well-taken penalty kick after Carlos Baleba tripped Callum Hudson-Odoi in the penalty area. However, two goals in a three-minute span just before half-time seemed to change the course of the match. Nineteen-year-old midfielder Jack Hinshel...

Brighton & Hove Albion 3 - 2 Tottenham Hotspur Brighton staged a stunning comeback, overturning a two-goal deficit to secure a thrilling victory over Tottenham in a gripping Premier League clash on the south coast. Spurs appeared to be cruising towards a sixth consecutive win in all competitions, having taken a well-earned 2-0 lead by the 37th minute. Brennan Johnson broke the deadlock with his sixth goal in six games, timing his run perfectly to latch onto Dominic Solanke’s through ball before calmly slotting it past Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen. Verbruggen was then left frustrated as he failed to prevent James Maddison’s curled effort from nestling in the net, despite getting both hands to the low shot, doubling Spurs’ advantage. However, Brighton came out after the interval looking like a different team. They quickly clawed one back early in the second half when Destiny Udogie struggled to clear Kaoru Mitoma's cross, allowing Yankuba Minteh to pounce and score his f...

 West Ham United 0 - 0 Brighton & Hove Albion This match marked the first occasion in 24 league matches that Brighton didn't concede a goal, putting an end to a record-setting streak for the club. For West Ham, they would have been hoping to build on their wins over Manchester United and Arsenal but will ultimately be delighted with their points return over the Christmas and New Year period.  Brighton enjoyed more possession and created better chances in what was largely a dull game to kick off 2024 for both teams at London Stadium . The first half lacked quality and opportunities, with West Ham coming closest to scoring as Jason Steele saved James Ward-Prowse's powerful volley with his legs. Jack Hinshelwood and Pascal Gross of Brighton were both thwarted by Alphonse Areola, the home keeper, with point-blank stops. Premier League news and stories: 2023/2024 Brighton news and stories from European Super Football Cool as you like 🧊 pic.twitter.com/PSz55x9EaN — West...

Brighton have appointed Fabian Hurzeler as their new manager. They have made him the youngest full-time boss in Premier League history. Hurzeler, who led St Pauli to the Bundesliga 2 title last season with 20 wins out of 34 matches, has signed a contract running until 2027. He will join the team once he receives his work permit, just in time for Brighton's pre-season preparations in July. If any club was likely to appoint a 31-year-old manager, younger than their captain and several key players, it would be Brighton. The club has a reputation for pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box to compete with bigger, richer, and more established Premier League teams. Hurzeler’s CV may not be extensive, but it includes notable success and a commitment to a playing style similar to that of his predecessors, De Zerbi and Graham Potter. Brighton & Hove Albion: 23/24 Season Review De Zerbi to leave Brighton  Premier League: Summer 2024 news and stories Every managerial appointme...

Brighton & Hove Albion 0 - 0 Brentford Brighton’s winless streak in the Premier League extended to six matches after a determined Brentford side held them to a goalless draw, securing only their second away point of the season. Author - Craig H The home side came close to breaking the deadlock just five minutes in. Joao Pedro, with his back to goal, cleverly laid the ball off to Julio Enciso, whose first-time curling effort struck the right post. That was as close as either team came to scoring on a chilly, misty evening at the Amex Stadium. Brentford, boasting the league’s worst away record, thought they’d taken the lead in the 14th minute against the run of play. Yoane Wissa burst through Brighton’s defence and finished emphatically, only for VAR to rule him narrowly offside as he collected the ball. There was a heartwarming moment late on when Brighton midfielder Solly March came on as a substitute to a standing ovation from the home crowd. It marked his return after 14 mon...

Brighton and Hove Albion 1 - 0 Aston Villa The impact of this Villa defeat was ultimately lessened after Spurs lost 4 - 2 away at Liverpool  Joao Pedro scored a late goal as Brighton put a small dent in Aston Villa's Champions League hopes at the Amex Stadium. The winner arrived when Pedro scored a rebound in the 87th minute after his penalty was saved by Robin Olsen. Earlier in the match, Pascal Gross had an effort for the hosts ruled out for offside by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) . At the other end of the pitch, Villa captain John McGinn was also judged to be inches ahead of the Brighton defence before scoring in vain. Brighton's beat Aston Villa in a home game for the first time in the Premier League since its inception and for the first time at home across all competitions since December 1980. For Brighton fans, this win was a huge relief. Even then, they will have a few concerns. A lack of goals is not a characteristic often associated with Brighton managed by De...

Everton 0 - 3 Brighton & Hove Albion Brighton's young manager, Fabian Hurzeler, made an impressive start to his Premier League career, delivering a victory that left Everton's final season at Goodison Park off to a dismal start. Everton, who have called Goodison Park home since 1892, will be relocating to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock at the beginning of next season. Everton fans created a fantastic atmosphere before the match. At just 31, Hurzeler became the Premier League's youngest-ever permanent manager, and his Brighton team showed no mercy towards their opponents. The first half was fiercely contested, with tackles flying in from both sides. Everton's Jack Harrison had an early goal disallowed for offside, while Brighton's Joao Pedro struck the post with a powerful low shot. Brighton took the lead through Kaoru Mitoma's simple finish at the back post, following excellent work from debutant Yankuba Minteh, who had been linked with a move to E...

 Brighton & Hove Albion 4 - 0 West Ham United Brighton boosted their hopes of European qualification  with a thumping Premier League victory over struggling West Ham. How successful could this season end up being for Brighton? When their former manager left for Chelsea, very few fans would have expected them to be above the side from London by the time we reached this stage of the season. Alexis Mac Allister put Albion in front midway through the first half, converting from the spot after Jarrod Bowen bundled Kaoru Mitoma over in the area. Substitute Joel Veltman doubled the hosts' lead soon after half-time, chesting the ball in at the far post following a corner. This was before Mitoma slid in to make it 3-0. Brighton fans were already loving their afternoon at this point.  Danny Welbeck added further gloss to the scoreline late on, drilling a right-footed shot into the bottom corner to condemn the Hammers to their biggest defeat of the season. Deserved victory f...

 Brighton & Hove Albion 0 - 2 Manchester United Rasmus Hojlund and Diogo Dalot helped Manchester United  conclude  their league campaign with a 2-0 victory over Brighton. Despite the win, Erik ten Hag's side finished the campaign in eighth place – their lowest top-flight position since 1989-90. Brighton, on the other hand, couldn't provide the perfect send-off for departing boss Roberto De Zerbi, despite having better chances and dominating possession. Adam Webster and Joao Pedro came closest to putting the Seagulls ahead in the first half, but neither had the clinical edge to beat Andre Onana. Brighton  were  left ruing missed opportunities when Dalot slotted past Jason Steele in the 73rd  minute,  before substitute Hojlund secured the three points two minutes before the end of normal time. The Seagulls ended the season in 11th place, missing out on the top half by a single point. Manchester United entered the final day knowing they needed a ...

 Brighton & Hove Albion 1 - 0 Manchester United Let's explore as Brighton sealed a late win over Manchester United at the Amex Stadium. Despite creating several chances, United probably didn't deserve the win . In all honesty, a draw would have been a fair result and it took a late VAR decision to give Brighton the victory. The match in context Despite the defeat, United are still in a prime position to reach the Champions League by finishing in the top four. However, the margin for error has been reduced, and they must hold their nerve after this dramatic defeat. This Brighton win followed a 6-0 thrashing of Wolves, and many fans believe performances like these will be critical in the chase for Europe. The tweet "Massive Win" from the official Brighton Twitter account probably summed up everything. Massive. Win. pic.twitter.com/UAbflVwkGt — Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 4, 2023   Looking back at United, they stay in 4th place and are 4 po...

Nottingham Forest 7 - 0 Brighton & Hove Albion Chris Wood hit a hat-trick as a ruthless Nottingham Forest scored seven against a woeful Brighton. Author - Kieran M Stadium - City Ground Forest corner against Brighton Nottingham Forest responded in emphatic fashion to last weekend’s humbling at Bournemouth, putting Brighton to the sword in a stunning 7-0 demolition at the City Ground. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side had seen their unbeaten run halted in brutal fashion at the Vitality Stadium, but they bounced back in the best possible way, recording their biggest-ever Premier League victory against a Brighton side that simply had no answer. Forest’s intent was clear from the off, and they were gifted an early lead when Lewis Dunk inadvertently diverted Morgan Gibbs-White’s low cross into his own net with just 12 minutes played . Gibbs-White then turned scorer, glancing a header into the far corner from Anthony Elanga’s pinpoint delivery, before Chris Wood made it 3-0 on the half-...

Manchester United 1 - 3 Brighton & Hove Albion Let's explore some of what is going wrong at Manchester United after their third defeat of the season. Criticism for the manager? The home crowd turned against manager Erik ten Hag as Manchester United lost 3-1 to Brighton at Old Trafford. United fans have overwhelmingly supported Ten Hag since he arrived last summer, and they have backed him in his dispute with Jadon Sancho. A cacophony of boos rang around the stadium before Ten Hag was applauded off as he replaced new signing Rasmus Hojlund with Anthony Martial 19 minutes into the second period. After the match, United's Dutch manager defended this decision.  🚨🇩🇰 Erik Ten Hag on boos for subbing Hojlund: "It was positive. You see the fans in first moment at Old Trafford, reception was great, he performed very well, it was good they gave this signal, will give him belief. He came in with a small issue, he is not ready for a whole… — UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) September...

In the build-up to the final Premier League game of the season, there has been a huge announcement from Brighton.  Head coach Roberto de Zerbi will leave the club after their final Premier League match at home to Manchester United. The former Shakhtar Donetsk coach De Zerbi joined the Seagulls in September 2022 on a four-year deal. However, he won't be seeing that deal out.  De Zerbi arrived after former Brighton boss Graham Potter moved to Chelsea.  In his first season, he led the club to their highest-ever top-flight position and European qualification for the first time in their history. This campaign hasn't been as good but they have never looked in any danger of anything like a relegation battle.  They did have a great run in the Europa League . The Seagulls enjoyed Europa League wins over Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens to top their group before being knocked out eventually by Roma. It remains to be seen where De Zerbi will be going next, but he has been li...

Brighton & Hove Albion 1 - 1 Arsenal João Pedro’s second-half penalty dealt a blow to Arsenal’s title ambitions as Brighton held them to a frustrating draw. Author - Ajay  Arsenal started brightly, taking the lead in the 16th minute through Ethan Nwaneri, making just his second Premier League start. The 17-year-old combined cleverly with Mikel Merino and Declan Rice before unleashing a shot that slipped past Bart Verbruggen and nestled in the far corner. The Gunners dominated the first half and looked poised to extend their advantage. However, missed opportunities came back to haunt them when Pedro equalised from the spot just after the hour mark. Click here for more Premier League news and stories The penalty stemmed from an unusual incident as Pedro flicked the ball up, and William Saliba, attempting to clear with his head, made contact with Pedro, who went down. After a VAR review, the referee confirmed the decision, and Pedro confidently sent David Raya the wrong way to...

Brighton & Hove Albion 0 - 0 Manchester United United won 7-6 on penalties Manchester United set up a final against Manchester City after beating Brighton in a dramatic penalty shootout. In a match that finished goalless after extra time, United defender Victor Lindelof scored the decisive spot-kick after Solly March sent his effort high over the bar. The result means Erik ten Hag's side has reached their second domestic final of the season. In a scrappy semi-final, both goalkeepers excelled with David de Gea making several fine saves and Brighton's Robert Sanchez brilliantly turning away Marcus Rashford's deflected effort in extra time. With Manchester City still battling for a Treble after beating Sheffield United 3-0 with a Riyad Mahrez hat-trick, the two Manchester sides have a huge game to look forward to. Whatever happens, it will likely  be a match that people talk about for a long time. FA Cup reaction as Man City progress to final (eurosuperfootball.blogsp...