It was the Albion season of all seasons – and fans lapped it up.
We have asked these long-time Seagulls supporters for their thoughts on matches throughout the campaign.
After the defeat at Aston Villa, we turned the focus on the season as a whole rather than that game.
Suffice to say their answers were a bit longer than usual!
But what they said perfectly sums up a memorable season as seen, experienced and enjoyed from the stands.
Your verdict on Albion’s season - and any particular highlights?
Tim Ayling: Amazing! There are so many highlights, from the Chelsea annihilation to the win at Arsenal... it’s impossible to name one. The sheer number of points against the “Big Six” (would have been more than any other team if it wasn’t for the VAR disgrace at Tottenham) and the number of goals we scored. Beyond anyone’s wildest dreams surely? All in all, I was very lucky to go to a lot of games at home and away with my 12-year-old, and we made new friends as we travelled. That’s really what football is about - the connection we have. It helps when the team is doing so well!
Colin Beales: Wow! What a phenomenal season to be a Brighton fan, one that took expectations and absolutely smashed them. For me it’s not just the accomplishment of our final position and Europa qualification, it’s the manner in which we’ve done it. A change in manager left us all with worries that in hindsight were completely unfounded. The level of play under De Zerbi stepped up a notch and is simply wonderful to watch. As for moments, I have too many. I’ll just summarise and say that getting to go to all the games with my friends and family has been an absolute blast!
Alan Brownings: An incredible season and beyond wildest expectations. Full credit must be given to De Zerbi for taking us to a different level. A huge haul of points against the traditional top six stand out, but the result at the Emirates that ended Arsenal’s season and the title race topped it for me.
James Heasman: Just a wonderful season, one I never thought I’d witness. It still feels unbelievable. So many highlights, my favourite game for pure quality was City at home last week. I have never witnessed football from Brighton at that level, simply magnificent. In terms of games and moments, Arsenal away, that was a demolition, completely humiliated them. Chelsea away, again brilliant. Single moments, Mac Allister’s disallowed goal versus Leicester, and then the free-kick that followed. Enciso’s goals against City and Chelsea. Cucurella’s walk of shame in front of the North Stand. It was great to enjoy these moments with our friends, who are also long standing fans. Thanks to everyone at the club.
Who stood out for Albion this season?
Tim Ayling: How long do we have? Caicedo is my player of the season, but there are so many players who could have a claim to that - MacAllister, Dunk, Gross, Mitoma, Estupinan and Veltman have all been superb. And then the young players coming through - Ferguson, Enciso, Buonanotte, Gilmour... the future is bright.
Colin Beales: There is an abundance of talent to speak about this is going to be long and miss some stars. Dunky just gets better with age, Gross continues to be an absolute wonder signing of our Premier League era. Solly the man who De Zerbi put his arm around and he delivered every game. Veltman a required versatile rock. Estupinan who came in for our previous player of the season and totally eclipsed him. Mitoma took the league by surprise, terrorising full-backs. Ferguson who looks the total package of a striker that we’ve wanted for so long. The talent of Enciso is a gem that we look to have only just scratched the surface of. Then we get to our World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, who has been as stunning domestically as he was on the international stage. Finally, we get to Caicedo who has to be my player of the season and is truly the best player I’ve ever seen wear a Brighton shirt. He is truly world class and whilst I dream we can keep hold of him, I’m just thankful to have had the opportunity to has witness his skills first hand. What a team!
Alan Brownings: There are so many - Caicedo, Mac Allister, Mitoma, Enciso, Dunk and Colwill. We’ll be needing to hang on to as many of these as possible.
James Heasman: So difficult. But Veltman, Dunk, Estupinan, Mac Allister, March, Gross, Ferguson, Mitoma were all excellent. Is there a better passer than Jason Steele? My player of the season is Moises Caicedo, a world superstar in waiting.
Will they go from strength to strength next year?
Tim Ayling: It’s hard to know. We’ve got more games to play and we’re likely to lose two key players in Mac Allister and Caicedo. The loss of Mac Allister is probably easier to plan for, but Caicedo is going to be really hard to replace. If/how we do that could be key to next season. Whatever happens, we’ll be there supporting them home and abroad. Can’t wait!
Colin Beales: Next season will likely be shaped hugely by outgoing and incoming players. There is an inevitably around some player exits given their achievements this year but of late our recruitment team have done wonders in filling gaps of the with the next in young world talent. It’s nice to see some of our business is getting done early, but with extra European fixtures to fulfil squad strengthening will be required to give us depth in the additional fixtures.
Alan Brownings: It’s hard to keep your feet on the ground at the minute but, beyond Mac Allister, if we can remain relatively unscathed, I have a feeling we will go well in the Europa League. UTA.
James Heasman: I really do think it will be challenging. There will be a turnover of players, but also poorer teams like Chelsea and Spurs are likely to improve. If we finished top ten with a cup run, and qualification through the Europa League group stages, that would be a tremendous success. We do however have a tactical genius as coach so who knows?
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel