How Brighton & Hove Albion achieved their most successful season in 121 years
In short: The 2022–23 season marked a historic turning point for Brighton & Hove Albion. By securing sixth place in the Premier League, the club qualified for European football for the first time. This achievement followed a period of significant transition, including a change in leadership and the emergence of new talent.
The 2022–23 campaign was the 121st in the history of Brighton & Hove Albion and their sixth consecutive year in the Premier League. The club finished in sixth place, their highest league position ever, surpassing the previous record of ninth place set during the 2021–22 season. This performance earned the team a spot in the UEFA Europa League, marking their debut in European competition.
The season began with a historic 2–1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, the club's first-ever win at that venue. However, the club faced major upheaval early on when manager Graham Potter departed for Chelsea on 8 September 2022. Following a brief interim period, Roberto De Zerbi was appointed as head coach on a four-year contract. De Zerbi’s tenure saw tactical shifts, including the preference for Jason Steele as goalkeeper over Robert Sánchez, a decision the coach attributed to Steele’s better alignment with his preferred style of play.
The squad also navigated the mid-season disruption of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where eight players represented their nations in Qatar. Among them was Alexis Mac Allister, who returned as a tournament winner with Argentina. The club also dealt with the emotional retirement of Enock Mwepu, who was forced to step away from football on 10 October due to a hereditary heart condition. Despite these challenges, the team maintained momentum, including a notable 4–1 win over Chelsea in October and a successful FA Cup run that saw them defeat Liverpool in the fourth round.
By the end of the season, Brighton had solidified its reputation as a formidable top-flight side. Young talents like Evan Ferguson made significant impacts, with the 18-year-old becoming the club's youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer. The season concluded with the club looking toward future growth, having successfully integrated new tactical systems and navigated both personnel changes and the unique demands of a mid-season World Cup break.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2022–23 Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. season
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