Brighton and Hove Albion and their fans can now sit back and take a breathe after a memorable and historic season. It started with the sale of key players Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister, swiftly followed a pre-season tour on the east coast of America. Albion were then off to a blistering start in the Premier League and then enjoyed their first ever European nights in Marseille, Ajax and Athens. Albion’s season then spiralled after a humbling night in Rome. It saw Roberto De Zerbi’s mood change which ultimately saw the club and the head coach part ways following the final match of the season against Man United at the Amex Stadium last Sunday. Here’s 15 things I learned following the Albion this term...
9. Carlos Baleba
Signed for £23m from Lille at the start of the season to replace Caicedo. The midfielder looks a real prospect and was underused this season - especially in Rome when Brighton needed that extra man and power in the midfield. Big season awaits. Photo: Mike Hewitt
10. Keepers
Verbruggen joined for around £16m last summer and De Zerbi eased him in by rotating with the experienced Jason Steele. It was a move that baffled fans and perhaps added to defensive uncertainty this term. Verbruggen - an upgrade on Sanchez who joined Chelsea for £25m - and Carl Rushworth, who impressed on loan at Swansea, could be competing for the No 1 spot next term. Photo: GLYN KIRK
11. Ansu Fati
His loan arrival from Barcelona was greeted with much expectation which failed to deliver. The loan move - where the Seagulls covered a reported £128,000 of his weekly wage - was a strange deviation from Brighton's normal transfer approach. A deal made perhaps to please De Zerbi. Fati never looked comfortable with the physical demands of the PL and despite a few flashes of brilliance it was an expensive disappointment. Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos
12. Roberto De Zerbi
Overall a decent two seasons in charge. Gave the team the mentality to reach the Europa League and then top their group. His tactics though were exposed in Rome and his relationship with the club seemed to unravel from this moment. Player sales and injuries made for a tough second season but I enjoyed De Zerbi's reign, great football, great motivator but when it went wrong it was not pretty. A good time for both to move on. Photo: Charlie Crowhurst