By Ryan Adsett

Roberto De Zerbi has entered the club with some impact.

An entertaining, and reassuring 3-3 draw at Anfield against Liverpool at the weekend was enough to allow Albion fans to fall in love with their new Italian boss.

The same, but different

De Zerbi is known for his structured, and fluid football. Perhaps the ‘hipster’s choice’ for the successor of Graham Potter, just as Tony Bloom has the Seagulls operating in the modern day. The 43-year-old kept it similar on his debut, just the one change in his first starting 11 set the tone for the new era. Despite the similarities, De Zerbi tends to press harder, with more intent and directness in attack. A 3-3 in his first match is enough to suggest some high-scoring games with this ‘new Albion’, however one to certainly keep an eye on for the season.

Leandro Trossard held the headlines, as he fired not only Brighton’s first Premier League hat-trick, but also only the third ever hat-trick in the top flight. A remarkable achievement. Alexis Mac Allister upheld his form, as the ever-present midfield at the club continued. The tactics behind the ‘double pivot’ of Moises Caicedo and Mac Allister proved to be too hot to handle for Liverpool, as respectfully mentioned by Jurgen Klopp after the game. Albion were clinical, a word infamously known over the past couple of years.

It wasn’t just tactically where De Zerbi stole the hearts of the Albion fanbase, though. Energy, excitement, and personality. De Zerbi celebrated Trossard’s equaliser in style, running onto the pitch and punching the air in delight. The Italian is known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, and a dynamic of which hasn’t been recognised within the Seagulls’ managerial recent history. Change is welcomed, and fans have bought it already. An instant connection like this is not common in modern football, and one not felt too often from Brighton fans. As mentioned by We Are Brighton on Twitter this week, a very ‘Gus Poyet like’ connection has been formed in quick succession. Fans sung his name to the tune of Seven Nation Army, and the trip back home didn’t feel quite so bad at all.

The foundations

Graham Potter’s influence on this side has been clear to see, mind. It is important to remember the work and foundations in place from the new Chelsea head coach. Whether through gritted teeth, or open honesty, Potter’s move for Mac Allister has proven to be the catalyst in the side for the season so far; nothing short of incredible to move on from Yves Bissouma in such swift fashion. Trossard’s newfound lethal nature is also accredited to the ex-Albion manager; the impact of his versatility is clear to see, and a critical factor to the side’s success, is his ability to play centrally, deeper, and off the left.

To inherit one of the most versatile, and talented squads in the division would have been too good to turn down for De Zerbi, and the early signs suggest his stamp could push them above and beyond the work that Potter has put in place. The unique dynamic could be pivotal in a change of fortunes in front of goal, as De Zerbi has already stated he expects more goals from the team that he has currently, and his message to Trossard inevitably ran clear.

Looking ahead

Confidence and support will be important, as the first month of the young manager’s reign does not get any easier. Spurs visit the Amex on Saturday, and the eyes will be on De Zerbi live on Sky Sports’ late kick-off; in a game in which he will likely target a win. Tottenham have not scored from open play in their past four games away from home, and will not have a much easier task at the Amex. The pressure is on Antonio Conte to find a result, amidst a barren run in front of goal. The support is already on display, literally, as Albion supporters have come together to raise funds for a giant De Zerbi flag, to be showcased in the North Stand ahead of his home debut - something not seen before in the Amex era.

An exciting new concept, dynamic and generation, as things just feel a little bit different. A buzz is in the air, and after an electric start at Anfield, Albion will be hoping the lightning strikes again against Tottenham.