
With the top-six race tightening, the Seagulls have to ignore their rivals, sharpen their defence, and use high-priced attacking talent to secure a historic return to the continent.
This weekend was relatively unkind to Brighton in terms of results.
Almost nothing went their way, and combined with a defeat on the road to Newcastle United, it goes to show that a little more than 'fine margins' will be required to achieve European qualification this summer.
Focus on yourself!
At this stage of the season, many fans get very indulged in every goal, and every moment from every club around them in the table. When Man City dropped points in the title race last night, the initial reaction is that it is all over, and Arsenal's to lose again.
Similarly, the European race is intensifying, and clubs at this stage of the season will do anything but let up in their quest for a record-breaking season. The difference this season is that the push for the top six is largely clubs that have never been there before.
Despite Albion finishing in that position in 2023, this is still historically uncharted territory.
The same can be said for the likes of Bournemouth and Brentford. Chelsea's lacklustre end to the season and 3-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge has kept them behind the Seagulls for another week running.
Realistically, the only thing Albion fans can do is focus on themselves. Win every game thrown in front of them and not think about anybody else too much.
The close nature of this run-in is likely to go down to the wire, and the final day could prove to be dramatic. It may even go down to goal difference, where Brighton (7) currently lead Brentford (6), Bournemouth (3) and Chelsea (6). With that in mind, the manner of the goals conceded at St James Park is amplified to be even more unacceptable.
Brighton have the attacking power to outscore a lot of their opponents, even if the scoreline doesn't always seem it.
What is left?
The individual quality in players like Danny Welbeck, Yankuba Minteh, and Kaoru Mitoma is enough to beat most teams in the division.
If Albion are serious, they need to create as many chances as possible each game and utilise the players who have the talent to be even better players. Looking at the £40 million signing of Georginio Rutter, who has been sitting on the bench, the Frenchman even almost had an assist at Newcastle shortly after coming on.
Looking at the remaining fixtures, Albion will be favourites to beat already-relegated Wolves this weekend.
The same can be said for their trip to Leeds, who are all-but safe for another Premier League campaign, and finally Manchester United.
The Red Devils have had a glorious end to the season, and coach Michael Carrick has them sitting firmly in Champions League qualification position for the first time since 2021. By the final day, they could well be wrapped up.
Potentially three games against three sides who could have nothing to play for. Brighton will have their own pressure on each game, but simply must turn up if they want their dreams to become a reality again.


