Brighton's strong form raises potential title challenge questions

Brighton have secured seven victories in their first 10 Premier League matches, including notable wins against Manchester City and Arsenal. Their strong start to the season has led to speculation regarding their ability to maintain a challenge for the title.

Data reveals the team has netted 26 goals, the highest in the division, and generated 37 big chances. Defensively, the club has kept seven clean sheets and allowed only five goals, a record bettered only by current leaders Arsenal.

Midfielder Gross, who returned to the club from Borussia Dortmund in January after leaving in 2024, has been pivotal to this attacking success. Having spent seven-and-a-half years at the Amex, he has created eight big chances this season, more than any other league player. During a recent match against Brentford, he scored and created at least five chances for his team-mates. This marks the 27th occasion since the 2017-18 season he has achieved this feat, trailing only Kevin de Bruyne with 48 and Bruno Fernandes with 47.

Regarding his recent performance, Gross said: "I just keep going. I think I'm fit, I try to prepare as good as I can and try to help the team win games."

Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman suggested that Champions League qualification should be considered the minimum expectation for the team. He noted: "The way they're playing at the moment, Champions League qualification is probably the minimum that you'd expect Brighton to achieve." Osman added: "They look like a team that has really kicked on over the last 18 months. The football they're playing is outstanding and they are a great team to watch. Can they win the league? I think it would be unexpected if they did, but I expected them to win something this year, whether that is a domestic trophy like the FA Cup or the Conference League."

Yankuba Minteh recently returned for his first Premier League appearance of the season against Brentford following a summer where Liverpool made an unsuccessful bid for the forward. Minteh joined from Newcastle United in 2024. Additionally, Kaoru Mitoma is expected to return soon, having been out since May with a hamstring injury.