Brighton and Hove Albion finished the 2020-21 Premier League season in 16th position, avoiding relegation by 13 points. But a finish near the relegation spot does not always mean dismal performances and Brighton are a perfect example of it. Graham Potter’s men displayed some impressive performances throughout the season but failed to score enough goals failing to win matches after dominating the most of it – underachieving their xG considerably.
However, the Seagulls have made a flying start to the 2021-22 campaign. They currently sit in 6th with three wins in four games and have been really clinical infront of goal with five goals scored. They lost against Everton and face Leicester city in the coming weekend, which is going to be a big challenge. Brighton have still started the season on a great note and would look to continue their good run of form for a finish in the top half.
We look at a few stats to see where they have improved themselves since last season.
Brighton had a xG of 63.60 last season as a whole throughout the last season with a xG of 1.56 per 90, the fifth best in the league. It clearly shows how good Brighton were in getting themselves into good positions in front of the goal.
However, we can have a clear look below that they under performed their xG by a huge margin scoring just 40 goals in the league, fifth lowest in the league .
This season they have had a xG on the lower side of average in the league till now with 4.42 as a whole and 1.02 per 90.
But they have been at par almost with their xG till now scoring five goals which certainly shows that they have been more clinical and hard working in front of goal and have made the most out of all goal scoring actions.
The Seagulls managed to take 457 shots last season total with an average of 11.192 shots per 90 minutes. But they only could keep 143 shots on target which means 3.50 shots per 90.
Brighton have taken 44 shots in total till now in the 2021-22 season with 10.13 shots per 90. 
With 15 shots on target and five goals scored their conversion rate has increased comparatively. They have taken fewer shots on average than last season but they have become more compact in their game. Rather than taking unnecessary shots they have capitalised more and wasted fewer clear goal scoring chances. With 3.45 shots per 90 on target and scoring two goals in four of their matches they have improved quite drastically.
If Graham Potter and his side can manage to keep on doing this and concede less they surely have a chance for a finish higher up the table.
