The Seagulls are sixth in the Premier League with five wins, two loses and a draw from their first eight fixtures. Roberto De Zerbi’s team have impressed at the sharp end with a league-high of 21 goals, as they have outscored the likes of Manchester City, Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle. But shipping goals at the other end has become a problem as they are yet to keep a clean sheet this term and have conceded 16 – with only the bottom three teams Burnley, Sheffield United and Bournemouth leaking more. De Zerbi’s men have also had to juggle the demands of Europa League football alongside their league campaign. They suffered a disappointing 3-2 home loss to AEK Athens in their first Group B fixture and then fought back from 2-0 in Marseille to gain their first European point with a 2-2 draw. The start of the season also saw Brighton exit the Carabao Cup at the first attempt as new signings Bart Verbruggen, Carlos Baleba, Igor Julio and Ansu Fati all featured in the 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge.
Eight new players arrived in total in the previous transfer window and here’s how they have rated so far for De Zerbi’s team...
5. Mo Dahoud - 6
The German arrived on a free transfer has made seven appearances for Brighton so for. A classy and technically gifted midfielder and showed glimpses of his quality in the first half against Marseille. Question marks remain if he has the power and physicality to play week in week out in the PL. Photo: Mike Hewitt
6. Carlos Baleba - 7
Struggled in his first outing at Chelsea and De Zerbi said he was not ready for the first team. Responded with an excellent display against Liverpool and really showed why Brighton paid more than £20m for his services. Looking forward to watching Baleba develop under De Zerbi. Photo: Andrew Powell
7. Simon Adingra - 8
The Ivorian looked sharp against Liverpool and scored a fine goal. Two PL goals so far for the player Brighton signed for £7m and then spent last term on loan at Union SG. Looks another exciting attacking prospect and provides competition for Mitoma and March Photo: Bryn Lennon
8. Ansu Fati - 5
Perhaps we expected too much too soon? The Barcelona loan ace has shown glimpses of his talent but Brighton fans are yet to see him at his best. Has made seven appearances so far and scored once against Villa. Hopefully the 20-year-old Spain international will start to deliver after the international break. Photo: NICOLAS TUCAT