Albion capped a great few days by beating Newcastle.
We asked these long-time fans for their thoughts on the 3-1 win secured by Evan Ferguson’s hat-trick.
We also assessed the mood after a dramatic few days in various respects for the Seagulls.
1. What were your thoughts on Albion’s performance against Newcastle?
James Heasman: I thought it was a wonderful game of football. Roberto de Zerbi gave Eddie Howe a tactical lesson, and Brighton were simply outstanding. The movement and playing out from the back was exceptional.
Tim Ayling: After a shaky start, a truly excellent performance against a team who really know how to counter-attack. I felt we looked far more secure with Van Hecke and Veltman back in the team, and that's important with the way we play. All in all, we made a very good Newcastle team look very ordinary - and with the players yet to come in, it's an exciting time.
Alan Brownings: Without doubt one of the best performances under De Zerbi. Exciting and scintillating football from start to finish.
Colin Beales: We're really starting to match the levels we saw last season now. Newcastle despite their bad start are a decent side but we went in ahead at the break before we really started to bully them in the second half. Felt unfortunate to not keep the clean sheet late on.
2. How good was Evan Ferguson – and who else impressed you for the Seagulls?
James Heasman: Although Evan was clearly man of the match, Billy Gilmour played well, as did Solly March, Joel Veltman, Pascal Gross and Jan Paul Van Hecke. There were a lot of 8/9 out 10s out there.
Tim Ayling: Obviously Evan was fabulous. Once again, he bullied proven Premier League defenders, finished with ease, and just looks like he belongs at the top of the Premier League. But this performance wasn't just about him. Gilmour would have been man of the match if the goals had been shared around, and both Verbruggen and Van Hecke impressed me. What's amazing is that the oldest of the four players I've mentioned is Gilmour at 22. What a future we have.
Alan Brownings: Evan Ferguson, the £200 million man, stood out for his first Premier League hat-trick at just 18. The finish for the second was sublime. Joao Pedro’s work rate, pace and skill on the ball caused Newcastle problems all afternoon, creating the space for Ferguson. Sadly, he didn’t get the goal the performance deserved.
Colin Beales: Great as Evan’s contributions were, I felt Billy Gilmour was the driving force and is revelling at his chance starting in the heart of midfield.
3. After this result, the European draw and a couple of signings, how are you feeling for the season ahead?
James Heasman: Quite positive. I do feel there is a lot of pressure on Baleba, and he needs to be managed carefully, particularly as he’s so young. I would have probably liked to have seen more cover for left-back. However, the other positive, is that no-one else left!
Tim Ayling: My Albion mojo is at its peak. Having spent the week waiting for the signings of two new young superstars, Saturday morning was spent frantically buying transport to Amsterdam and Marseille (can't make Athens), and then seeing us dismantle Newcastle in the afternoon topped everything off. It's fair to say I felt like a kid the night before Christmas.
Alan Brownings: We now have 25% of the points we need to stay up from the first four games. Anything is possible if the whole team believes it and momentum is sustained, everything crossed from my perspective.
Colin Beales: The enormity of this team’s achievements really struck home with the Europa draw and then a Saturday morning of frantic booking of flights, trains and accommodation. Let's enjoy every game and get behind the team, there has never been a better time to be a Brighton fan.
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