Welcome back to Premier League football. Just under 72 hours since the opening day heart-ache, I have had a little more time than usual to digest the first game back at the Amex.
Isn’t it funny how only a few days ago; all that buzz, apprehension, and expectation walking into the stadium felt overwhelmingly positive. What could be… who may shine brightest?
Classic Fulham
Nothing quite says being back at the Amex like the bitter sprint back past Falmer Station as I head back to my car in the University. One way of knowing we are well and truly underway is when you just see you’re playing Fulham at home. Seriously, how do they do it… every… single… time.
The time spent on the floor equated to just enough time to sneak in a last-second goal.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Diego Gomez of Brighton & Hove Albion reacts during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham at Amex Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Rodrigo Muniz knows where the back of the net is when facing Albion; we are his favourite opponent to face. In five games, four goal contributions (two goals, two assists). Of course we are!
Fulham did what they came to do: soak up pressure and counter-press when the opportunity arose. Despite the amount of diving and time wasting that occurred, there wasn’t enough real threat to have them too worried in the first half.
Yankuba Minteh tried his typical runs on the right side, but struggled to make any real impact.
Josh King was a shining light on the other side. Making tricky runs and proving too hot to handle at times. The young midfielder was the key to most of what Fulham did right. He almost had his actions lead to a goal, but for Bart Verbruggen later in the second half.
Ones to watch for Brighton?
Fulham were there for the taking, and Albion proved that in the second half.
A positive driving run from Georginio and a beautifully threaded pass from the exciting new signing Maxim De Cuyper led to a foul and resulting penalty for the Seagulls shortly after half-time. Matt O’Riley proved to be the chosen mystery taker and dispatched confidently against his former side. A huge boost for O’Riley amongst the noise around his name in the media, and after a quiet performance to that point.
De Cuyper and Yasin Ayari were the ones to watch in blue and white stripes, particularly Ayari. De Cuyper took some time to get into the game defensively, but was a joy to watch going forward. His galloping runs into space will prove to be a strong attribute for Fabian Hürzeler this season.
Ayari had a quietly composed game. Very good on the ball and did the simple things well. Fans love to overlook a player going about his business in midfield, similarly to the previous Steven Alzate’s and Dale Stephens’ of this generation. His breaking of play was useful, and not being pressured into shooting from distance was a sign of maturity. Arguably one of the strongest players on the pitch. He did, meanwhile, get away with one with that penalty claim!
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Georginio Rutter of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates scoring the first goal with Lewis Dunk and Maxim De Cuyper during the pre-season friendly match between Brighton & Hove Albion and VfL Wolfsburg at Amex Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Mats Wieffer covered right-back pretty well. Winning duels and combating the lively Alex Iwobi was a good battle to watch. Two strong players are going head-to-head. With that being said, it is clear to see it isn’t his position. Tending to drift up the pitch and into midfield, there were times he was caught out of possesion, and whilst not possessing the pace and positional awareness qualities to get back, gaps allowed space for the left-forwards.
Overall, a strong performance from the Dutchman. I’d like to see him in midfield alongside Baleba to help combat counter-attacks. His ball-winning capabilities are clear to see, and would compliment Carlos Baleba, Georginio, and Matt O’Riley.
With that in mind, it was nice to see Ferdi Kadıoğlu make his long-awaited return to the side since Liverpool away last season! The £30 million signing from Fenerbache has had to wait for his moment on the South Coast, but he covered the gaps on the right side very well. His eye for going forward and defensive capabilities make him one to watch for that starting right-back spot in the weeks to come.
What went wrong? Is it a theme to worry about?
Despite the good performances from certain individuals, Albion struggled to make big chances matter. Just 4 shots on target and a non-penalty xG of just 0.6, the actual result of 1-1 doesn’t look quite as disappointing as the nature of it.
The goal came from a period of pressure from Fulham, after Albion made all five substitutions at 1-0 up. The game management when holding onto leads is something that simply has to improve, and quickly. Deserving wins and making it count is something that has most definitely regressed in recent months, and a key part of accumulating points early on.
Regardless of the stage of the season, the same theme follows from last season. Albion dropped 22 points from leading positions last season, mostly down to similar naivety, and now we are already at two from the opening day.
Of course, context is important. The first game of the season can come down to a lack of sharpness and players not being up to speed after pre-season. However, I am inclined to think pre-season is the time for experiments, and not the opening day.
Reasons to be positive, reasons to be concerned. Oh, how we’ve missed football!
