Albion Analytics: Wolves

Brighton recorded their biggest win of the season to set new club records for points (44) and wins (10) in a Premier League season, with three games still to play.

It was the Albion’s first win at Molineux as a Premier League side, and only the second time this season that they have scored three in a domestic game (after Everton away). Brighton’s win in the Black Country means they have taken 28 points in away fixtures this season, the fourth best of any Premier League side.

In the away league table, Brighton rank among the top five sides for fewest goals conceded (20), lowest xGA (24.1) and pressing rate as per PPDA (9.3). Only Manchester City (1), Liverpool and Chelsea (both 2) have lost fewer times on the road this season than Graham Potter’s team (4).

Since the start of April, Brighton are the fifth most in-form side in the league, taking 11 points from six games, only losing at Manchester City and outscoring opponents 8-6. The Seagulls’ shooting performance has been the source of much media attention, but across the last six games they have shot more accurately than opponents (36% versus 20.2%) and converted more clinically than opponents too (10.6% versus 8.6%)

Wolves was Brighton’s best game of the season in terms of shots on target (9), dribbles into the final third (22) and fewest fouls committed (4), evidence of their ability to defend excellently, and provide a counter-attacking threat when needed. Compared to away games this season, it was Albion’s best for xG (2.5 – albeit including two penalties), open-play shot-creating actions (22), whilst only twice in away fixtures have they bettered a 42.5% press success rate.

Wolves were restricted to just one shot on target, coming inside the final five minutes – the eighth time this season that Brighton have limited opponents to only one effort on Robert Sanchez’s goal.

Brighton are well regarded for their ability to keep the ball through organised possession, but it was through impressive counter-attacks that they unlocked Wolves. Wyscout data has it that Albion counter-attacked six times at Molineux with three leading to shots and both are season-high totals.

Leandro Trossard’s strike came from a sequence starting inside of Brighton’s defensive third, lasting just 13 seconds, involving three different players and just two passes. Similarly, the sequence for Yves Bissouma’s goal started in the Brighton defensive third, with the ball in the back of the net 18 seconds and three passes (including the cross) later.

Moises Caicedo started the sequences for the second and third goals, both times regaining possession through tackles and then releasing a forward player. The Ecuadorian had his best Brighton game yet at Molineux in terms of total touches (57), passes completed/attempted (46/51), pass accuracy (90%), progressive passes + carries (6), tackles (5), shot-creating actions (4) and dribbles (3). The youngster has started Premier League life strongly, and only seems to be getting better.

Danny Welbeck was a key cog in the Albion counter-attack wheel. SofaScore’s average positions has the Englishman as Brighton’s most advanced player, remaining high to be the first pass outlet when the ball was recovered.

His six shot-creating actions was the most he has managed in a game this season, with the 11 progressive passes received also a season’s best. Including penalties won. He has now recorded 14 goal involvements (10 goals, four assists) in under 2,900 Premier League minutes, averaging a direct goal involvement every 202 minutes.