Brighton 2022-23: In-Depth Tactical Analysis of Graham Potter’s Seagulls
Introduction: Turbulence and Breakthrough
Brighton & Hove Albion entered the 2022-23 Premier League campaign under familiar expectations of tactical fluidity and regular rotation – trademarks of manager Graham Potter. However, an unexpected twist unfolded early as Chelsea’s sacking of Thomas Tuchel positioned Potter as the leading candidate for the Stamford Bridge job, casting uncertainty over the club’s strong start. Despite this, Brighton’s performances have been notably impressive, displaying a newfound consistency in both strategy and personnel selection. As Potter’s tenure potentially draws to a close, this analysis explores Brighton’s tactical framework and their exceptional opening stretch.
Evolution of Tactics: Renewed Stability
Last season, Brighton often oscillated between different setups, most commonly employing a 3-5-2 or, for tougher fixtures, a 3-5-1-1. This offered flexibility but challenged team chemistry and pattern recognition. Key player relationships, such as Leandro Trossard and Neal Maupay in attack, Marc Cucurella’s adaptation as a left-sided centre-back, and Yves Bissouma’s defensive presence, formed the backbone of Brighton’s midfield structure.
Entering 2022-23, significant sales (including Maupay, Bissouma, and Cucurella) allowed Potter to restructure roles. Alexis Mac Allister’s transition from an advanced playmaker (“number 10”) to a deep-lying orchestrator (“number 6”) marked a major shift. Alongside Moisés Caicedo, who assumed a more defensively conscious position, Mac Allister provided the stability and fluidity required for Brighton to build attacks from deep. With Pascal Groß pushed higher up the pitch and freed of defensive responsibilities, the midfield achieved both balance and penetration, allowing Groß to impact the game in advanced areas.
Further, Adam Lallana found himself utilized farther forward as an “inverted winger,” illustrating Potter’s adaptability to player strengths and opposition profiles. The approach ensured each member’s abilities were maximized, contributing to Brighton’s impressive consistency.
Formation Focus: The 3-4-2-1 System
Potter has returned to the 3-4-2-1 formation, a setup that previously delivered control and creativity but was inconsistent in personnel during previous campaigns. This year, a stable core has emerged:
– Lewis Dunk, Joel Veltman, and Adam Webster anchor the back line, starting every match.
– Mac Allister directs midfield from deep, with Caicedo offering defensive support.
– Pascal Groß operates as an “inverted winger” with license to arrive late in attacking moves, partnered by Enock Mwepu or Adam Lallana as the other advanced midfielder.
– Leandro Trossard’s flexibility allows him to play wide or tuck in, depending on the attacking scheme, while the arrival of Pervis Estupiñán at wing-back enhances width and attacking potency.
– Danny Welbeck leads the line with movement and link-up play.
This stable selection has seen nine players start every match, providing a rare level of continuity for Brighton and producing cohesive performances both in and out of possession.
Attacking Structure: Fluid Movement and Transitional Play
In previous seasons, Brighton relied heavily on dominating possession, but 2022-23 has seen a subtle pivot. The team now hovers around 50% possession, becoming more direct and dangerous on the break. Trossard excels in attacking transitions, stretching defenses with dribbles and intelligent runs into space. Groß, meanwhile, continues to time late forward movements, posing threats between lines.
Brighton’s positional play has not been abandoned. Instead, it’s enhanced by rapid transitions and versatile combinations in wide and half-space channels. Trossard and Groß are particularly adept at exploiting unoccupied spaces, while Mac Allister’s vision from deep enables both creative switches and incisive final passes.
Set pieces and penalties have also buoyed Brighton’s goal output, with Mac Allister among the most effective at converting spot kicks, thanks in part to the team’s ability to draw fouls in advanced areas.
Build-Up Play: Blending Directness and Precision
Retaining a penchant for sophisticated build-up, Brighton have nonetheless become more pragmatic this season. While the team is among the league leaders for attempted long passes, accuracy remains high – especially through Dunk (76% completion) and Mac Allister (72.3%). These direct balls often target the half-spaces where Trossard, Welbeck, or Groß make runs, destabilizing opposing defenses.
In early phases, the shape can resemble a diamond with the goalkeeper (Robert Sanchez) at the base and Mac Allister at the point. While Caicedo’s role is to keep the game ticking, defensive partners like Dunk and Webster often initiate progressive play. Wide central defenders, particularly Veltman, push forward when Groß vacates the channel, providing width and allowing Brighton to overload compact opposition shapes.
The team’s willingness to temporarily switch to a back four for strategic reasons, though not always successful, further demonstrates Potter’s tactical flexibility.
Defensive Approach: Controlled Aggression and Tactical Press
Defensively, Brighton maintain high standards of intensity and organization. They’ve conceded just five goals in six matches, with a 50% clean sheet rate. Their pressing is aggressive but disciplined:
– Press is zonal and ball-oriented, adapting as opponents enter different spaces.
– The forwards initiate pressure high, with Brighton ranking just behind Leeds for attacking third pressures per match.
– Central midfielders (Mac Allister and Caicedo) utilize mobility to disrupt play, while Groß’s work rate supports the system.
– The shape morphs between 3-2-4-1 and 5-2-2-1, depending on the opposition’s build-up, with wing-backs adapting their position according to the ball’s location.
At the back, Dunk and Webster excel in aerial duels and positioning, repelling crosses and blocking shots, which has bolstered Brighton’s defensive solidity.
While Robert Sanchez’s sweeper-keeper involvements are lower this season, it reflects the structural discipline ahead of him more than a reduction in ability.
Brighton’s only defeat came when Fulham capitalized on transitional situations and wing play, exposing the risks inherent when Brighton overload attackers and leave spaces behind. In response, Potter’s willingness to adapt with a back four showed flexibility, even if it didn’t yield the desired result.
Summary: Potter’s Legacy and Brighton’s Progress
As Graham Potter’s future at Brighton hangs in the balance amid Chelsea’s interest, his influence on the Seagulls is unmistakable. The 2022-23 campaign has married tactical innovation with stability, allowing Brighton to mount a genuine challenge in the league’s higher echelons. Consistency in both approach and selection – a departure from earlier seasons – has unlocked team chemistry and resilience.
Whomever takes the reins next at the Amex Stadium inherits not just a talented squad but also a blueprint of adaptable, forward-thinking football. Brighton’s evolution under Potter will serve as a model in both tactical creativity and fostering cohesive team dynamics, ensuring the club’s continued competitiveness in the Premier League’s demanding environment.
