- Brighton scored only 52 Premier League goals
- Danny Welbeck carried too much attacking responsibility
- Fabian Hurzeler needs another reliable goalscorer
Brighton secured European football, now they need goals. Fabian Hurzeler’s side impressed defensively for large parts of the season. Brighton pressed aggressively, controlled possession and looked one of the most organised teams in the Premier League.
But when it mattered most, they lacked ruthlessness in front of goal.
That issue became impossible to ignore during the final weeks of the campaign.
Brighton finished the season with just 52 Premier League goals. That ranked only 10th in the division despite the Seagulls recording the fourth-most touches inside the opposition box.
The underlying numbers highlight the problem clearly.
Brighton ranked first in the Premier League for possession won in the final third. They also conceded the fewest set-piece goals alongside Arsenal and kept 10 clean sheets.
Defensively, they were excellent.
Going forward, they simply did not convert enough chances.
Danny Welbeck carried Brighton’s attack
Too much responsibility fell on Danny Welbeck. The veteran striker delivered the best league season of his career with 13 goals, but Brighton relied on him far too heavily. No other player scored more than five league goals all season.
That is not sustainable.
When Welbeck struggled, Brighton’s attack often disappeared entirely. The Manchester United defeat on the final day summed it up perfectly. Brighton managed just two shots on target and looked completely toothless for long periods.
Stefanos Tzimas’ injury made matters worse.
The Greek striker barely featured after arriving at the club and Brighton never really replaced that missing threat. Supporters still believe Tzimas can explode next season in the same way Ferdi Kadioglu bounced back after injury this year.
But Brighton cannot rely solely on potential. Babis Kostoulas showed flashes late in the season, especially with his movement and creativity, but he is still only 18 years old. Throwing that burden onto a teenager would be unfair.
Why Brighton need proven goals immediately
Georginio Rutter also struggled badly. Although occasionally used through the middle, he looked far more comfortable operating as a number 10 rather than leading the line.
That leaves Brighton desperately needing another proven attacker. Jarrod Bowen could solve that problem immediately.
The England international finished the season with nine goals and 11 assists despite West Ham’s relegation. He produced a goal and assist on the final day and consistently carried the Hammers attack throughout the campaign.
More importantly, he is proven. Bowen can play through the middle, off the right or as a second striker. That versatility would fit perfectly into Hurzeler’s fluid system.
READ MORE: Brighton’s European success comes with familiar frustration – Read Brighton
The type of forward Brighton should target
Brighton’s recruitment model usually focuses on younger players with resale value. Bowen, now 29, would break that mould slightly. However, not every signing needs to be a long-term project. Sometimes clubs need reliability.
Brighton already have exciting young attackers. What they lack is somebody guaranteed to deliver goals immediately.
The Seagulls had 19 different goalscorers this season, which reflects the flexibility of Hurzeler’s system. But the overall volume still was not high enough. Too many games drifted away because Brighton failed to finish chances.
If the club wants to compete seriously in Europe next season while maintaining a top-half Premier League push, signing another striker has to become the priority. This season proved one thing clearly: Brighton are close, but they need more firepower to take the next step.
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