What do Brighton still need in the transfer window?published at 15:44 BST 25 August
15:44 BST 25 August
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
It is anticipated Yankuba Minteh will leave for Liverpool, which might create space at Brighton for another forward and Carlos Baleba's impending exit for Manchester United may mean the Seagulls move for midfield reinforcements.
It is possible there may be other exits but, as usual, Brighton will stick to their data-driven recruitment plan.
"We must continue to evolve, invest and innovate while remaining true to the principles that have brought us this far," was chairman Tony Bloom's message to fans before the 4-0 win over Aston Villa.
Maz Mirzadeh, Brighton fan
With Baleba's anticipated departure and it looking likely Minteh might leave as well, we need to bring in a defensive midfielder who provides a physical presence in our midfield and a winger proven at the top level.
We have a lot of games this season with European football, so we need to have the squad depth to compete on all fronts if we want to secure a top-10 finish again.
What business do you think still needs to get done before 23:00 BST on 1 September?
🎧 Albion Unlimited: Up and running!published at 13:50 BST 25 August
13:50 BST 25 August
Lewis Dunk assesses the start to the season, the panel study the latest transfer reports and there's a look ahead to the games against Tromso and Chelsea.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up
The season has started with a bang. With so many new coaches and major squad upheavals, I expected the unexpected and wasn't disappointed.
Hull City seeing off Manchester United raised the most eyebrows. Remember, United ended last season impressively and their hosts just about squeezed up from the Championship, via the play-offs. These are early days and Michael Carrick's side will improve, so need to panic yet. As for Hull, their performance hinted at something else.
Last season Brentford, Brighton and Bournemouth didn't have the slightest hint of an inferiority complex when facing the super-clubs. The Tigers have started in the same style and I suspect others have now seen the light and will follow their lead.
Many are now embracing the idea of chaos, following the control-based dogma that held sway for so long. Some suggest this is "Kloppism" eclipsing the Guardiola doctrine. This is a bit simplistic but there is change in the air and it is being helped by the recent rule changes.
The game is speeding up, encouraging a quicker, more open style that lends itself to this organised chaos. It's early days, but already a pattern appears set for the season; reputations might count for little when up against hungry, youthful, fearless opponents.
Spurs and Aston Villa are seen as "big" clubs but size doesn't matter when confronted by a hunger, desire to work and the ensuing mayhem.
Just look at the way Brentford and Brighton closed both of them down at the weekend; Manchester City were within six minutes of losing to Bournemouth; Liverpool were seconds away from losing to Newcastle, a team supposedly gutted of quality and experience after those brutal summer sales.
Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.
Sam: I was concerned before the season started. Gaps across the pitch, especially in wide areas, but wow! The intensity in the press led to two great goals. Great performance and work done in the first half - then after, all about game management. Brilliant start to the season and a great atmosphere at the Amex. Roll on Thursday and Chelsea away.
Gordon: Villa have been our nemesis for a while so it's good to beat them.
David: A brilliant, aggressive, front-footed first half where the half-time score in no way flattered them. Every player seemed to want to go forward, which has never been the Brighton way. But what a difference in the second half, especially after the substitutions. Back to sideways and backwards passing - the fast, forward passing of the first half was forgotten. So let's be grateful for four goals, a clean sheet and top of the table.
Barry: What a fantastic performance from Brighton! A brilliant 4–0 victory over Aston Villa, with every player contributing. The team looked sharp, confident and dangerous throughout, and Danny Welbeck's absence was barely felt. A superb all-round display and a thoroughly deserved win.
Villa fans
Ian: Villa were really poor and embarrassing! They deserved everything they got from Brighton. Villa players giving the ball away in dangerous areas and no idea of any movement off the ball. Obviously there is a lot of uncertainty with things happening in the transfer window, but things need tightening up. I trust Unai Emery to sort it, especially when injured players are available again.
Dan: Such a worry to start the season like this. The team selected looked so short of quality - then then combine that with the very poor performance, gifting Brighton a number of goals, and it does not look good. Hope we have some signings coming, a few players to regain fitness and Emery can get them being consistent! Doesn't help to have the circus around Ollie Watkins!
Andy: One result should not define a season and clearly there's a rebuilding job to do at Villa. Let's not panic as there have been huge changes in players and the new players will take time to gel. Joao Gomes is quality and will only learn from Sunday, plus will be amazing for us! Keep the faith…
Rod: No striker, no midfield, no first-choice keeper. With the core missing, we did well to lose 4-0. Keep the faith - but I have a gut feeling Unai will depart soon.
Brighton 'given a helping hand' by Aston Villa - Murphypublished at 11:16 BST 24 August
11:16 BST 24 August
Media caption,
Former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy has praised Brighton for their "superb" performance against Aston Villa at Amex Stadium.
Fabian Hurzeler's side kicked off the 2026-27 Premier League campaign with an impressive 4-0 win over Unai Emery's Europa League-winning team.
"There was so much to like about Brighton, but Aston Villa didn't half give them a helping hand," Murphy said on Match of the Day.
"It was woeful after the first goal. You are away from home in the first game of the season and you cannot afford to give your opponent any impetus.
"You could see what Brighton were trying to do as well. It was so obvious but, take nothing away, they did it so well.
"Brighton were superb - it was a great start for them."
