Trossard’s late winner ensures Amex will be rocking for the visit of Leicester
Yes, it’s only four matches and yes, Albion have rode their luck at times but Graham Potter’s team are in a Europa League spot.
Now a healthy does of realism will say that Albion were very fortunate to win at Burnley, they beat newly promoted Watford, before being outplayed by a high-quality Everton and then beat another promoted team in Brentford.
But to heck with it, Albion are sixth in the Premier League – nestled nicely between Man City and Tottenham – it does not happen often, it may not last for too long, so why not enjoy it?
The supporters certainly are but for the players they will be back to business at the Amex Stadium this Saturday as they welcome Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City.
Leicester – similar to Everton – are a notch or two above Burnley, Watford and Brentford, and if Potter’s men are to prolong their lofty position, they will need to improve on their showing in the 2-0 loss to Rafa Benitez’s team.
Few things however boost morale like a last minute winner and Leo Trossard’s excellent strike at Brentford’s Community Stadium will ensure the Amex Stadium will be at maximum volume for the Leicester match. And how nice that is to say, as this will be only the third match Albion have played in front of their home supporters since the lockdown. It was credit to the players that they performed at a high level in empty stadia last term but it was for the most part a hollow process.
The start of this season has underlined just what a full house brings to the matchday experience and even chairman Tony Bloom was leading the celebrations in Brentford as he enjoyed Albion’s three points in the away section.
The goal at Brentford will also boost Trossard’s confidence. The Belgian scored five in his first season and then five in his second and he is one of main players Potter refers to when he fields numerous questions on why Brighton didn’t sign a striker.
Albion are clearly short in attack but Potter expects more output from Trossard and his first goal of the season – and his first since he scored in a 3-2 win over Manchester City in May – will be a huge relief for the 25-year-old attacking midfielder.
Experienced striker Danny Welbeck also played 64 minutes in West London as he eases his way back from his hamstring issues. Welbeck provided moments of class last season and keeping him fit will be key going forward.
Few things boost moral like a last gasp winner
He missed one good chance in the first half at Brentford and hopefully his sharpness and striking instinct will return against Leicester.
What happens with Aaron Connolly this term is anyone’s guess. The Ireland striker has played just 45 minutes in the Premier League so far. He returned from international duty last week with a glute issue and missed the trip to Brentford. As Potter is short on attacking options, Connolly – and Jurgen Locadia, who was in the matchday squad at Brentford – both have perhaps unexpected opportunities in the first team.
It’s a crucial season for both in terms of their Premier League careers. Leicester strengthened over the summer as they picked off Southampton’s best two defenders in Ryan Bertrand and Jannik Vestergaard, while Ademola Lookman adds to the creativity of James Maddison and the goal threat of Jamie Vardy. Rodgers’ team have beaten Norwich and Wolves but lost to West Ham and suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to champions Man City.
Brighton could be without Adam Webster who tweaked his hamstring at Brentford and fellow defender Dan Burn is still struggling with a knee problem. Tariq Lamptey is pencilled in for a return in against Swansea in the Carabao Cup next Tuesday. £15m Spain international Marc Cucurella is poised for his home debut.
5 Trossard scored five goals last term
A hamstring injury could rule out defender Webster