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Top ten again? Albion fans give their views on win at United and season ahead

Brighton fans enjoy the 2-1 win at Old Trafford. Picture by Richard Parkes
Brighton fans enjoy the 2-1 win at Old Trafford. Picture by Richard Parkes

Albion earned a great win at Old Trafford and their fans lapped it up.

We asked these long-time Seagulls followers and Argus contributors for their thoughts on the 2-1 success over Manchester United.

Then we turned attention to the season ahead.

What were your thoughts on Albion’s performance at Old Trafford?

Colin Beales: The Albion picked up where they left off last season with an awesome half of football. We pressed Man Utd high up the pitch and broke really well. As we had more established players the cohesion was clear to see and we could have been more up limiting Man Utd to one Bruno shot lofted over the bar. In the second half, Man Utd came more into it and threatened, but the Albion managed the game well to the end. The clear penalty on Danny Welbeck that the referee and VAR missed would likely have stopped the nerves we had waiting for the final whistle.

Tim Ayling: Another extraordinary effort from the lads, especially given the string of awful refereeing decisions that went against them. No red card, no penalty and then no offside for the Utd goal. Many teams would have let those incidents trouble them, but not Brighton. It was a real mixture of attacking flair and defensive organisation. Cucurella and Bissouma forgotten!

James Heasman: Fantastic display. Once again, Graham Potter showed that tactically, there are very few who can match him in the premier league. Great shape and movement. Every player knew their role and contributed superbly.

Who was your pick of the Albion players?

Colin Beales: This was a great team performance with everyone on their game, but special call outs for the goals from Gross and the midfield work by Caicedo but my man of the match was Danny Welbeck. He gave us a target, bullied their back line and was clearly up for this against his former club. If we can keep Danny fit and playing like this, it will be massive for the Albion.

Tim Ayling: Hard to pick one, but I do believe Moises Caicedo is the best player the world has ever seen. He’s going to be massive this season. Welbs was a beast up-front and Dunk led my example all game. Moises gets my vote though.

James Heasman: Very difficult. Caicedo simply was world class and barely put a foot wrong, but for selfless running and being pivotal to the way we played, I would go for Danny Welbeck.

How is this season going to go for the Seagulls?

Colin Beales: Well, I’m not going to get too carried away after one great result, but I certainly don’t think we’ll be strugglers this season. There looks to be more than enough in this squad to be competitive. Losing Bissouma seems less problematic with our cover than Cucurella where more left-sided numbers may give more options as the season goes on. Whatever happens its sure to be a great ride for the fans!

Tim Ayling: It’s too early to say, but while we have lost key players we seem to be a team rather than individuals. I would also argue that most teams outside the top six are weaker than last season - Leeds, Villa, Southampton, Everton etc. I think another top ten finish is within reach, and maybe we can dream of Europe.

James Heasman: Hopefully, we will have another good season and finish in the top ten. Clearly Bissouma and Cucurella are losses, but the players we have, look more than capable of covering the loss of Bissouma. I do feel we need to replace Cucurella and would hope for a left-back/left wing-back before the end of the transfer window.