Mac can add magic

BRIGHTON will be hoping World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister’s achievements can inspire them with their season in the balance heading into the new year.

The Argentine is yet to return to the squad and missed the home defeat by league leaders Arsenal, which saw Brighton slip out of the top seven.

The Seagulls mounted a revival in the second half but were ultimately picked off with ease on the counterattack to the frustration of head coach Roberto De Zerbi. Mac Allister will return in the next day or two and De Zerbi will be hoping the jubilation surrounding Argentina’s success in Qatar will be felt on the south coast too.

Following in Graham Potter’s footsteps was always going to be a tough job and De Zerbi admitted on day one it felt ‘strange’ taking over a team where very little needed to change.

Change may now be exactly what’s required to refocus Brighton and to shape the short-term future of the club. There have certainly been moments for fans to saviour, including the demolition of Potter’s Chelsea at the Amex, while De Zerbi’s passion on the touchline has drawn affection from supporters.

Mac Allister’s return is a timely boost with three away games and the home visit of Liverpool to come next month. Two home league defeats in a row and a surprise exit from the Carabao Cup to League One Charlton have threatened to dampen spirits and De Zerbi must ensure the momentum doesn’t shift in the opposite direction.

It was a remarkable year for Brighton, with the club turning over profits and continuing to make huge strides in the league.

But 2023 can exceed all expectations if De Zerbi can build on the momentum, helped by the sprinkling of Argentine magic which is set to be reintroduced.