The relationship between Bloom and De Zerbi has Brighton thriving

A nice sunny Wednesday evening in late May was extremely inviting for us all to attend the Amex for the final Brighton home game of the 2022-23 season.

The Albion had already guaranteed a place in the Europa Conference but that was not enough for Roberto De Zerbi; our trusted coach wanted a top six finish and Europa League football. It had been De Zerbi and the squad’s big target for some time.

A draw against champions Manchester City would be enough. On arrival, it was an odd atmosphere. Some fans were expecting a hammer blow from City and a cropping of our goal difference.

Others felt Brighton would hold their own, helped by City having upcoming FA Cup and Champions League finals. Maybe they would even be hungover from going out on the lash on Sunday night to celebration their title win?

That was the excuse Pep Guardiola used after the game finished Brighton 1-1 City. Guardiola said that his players had drunk all the alcohol in Manchester, which was a little different to the brilliant interview we saw De Zerbi give Sky Sports alongside Mr Tony Bloom.

It was amazing to watch the harmony and togetherness between owner and head coach. They respect each other immensely and that relationship has helped Brighton thrive this season. Long may it continue because it feels like the Albion could reach even greater heights.

Earlier in the day and we heard the great news that Lewis Dunk had been recalled to the England squad for games against Malta and North Macedonia.

It may be nearly five years since he last played for his country, but better late than never for Gareth Southgate to acknowledge our captain.

To all of our surprise, De Zerbi reacted by resting Dunk for the City game. There was no Adam Webster either, leaving Levi Colwill and Jan Paul van Hecke the hefty task of dealing with Erling Haaland.

Brighton gave a guard of honour to City before kick off, which meant Sussex by the Sea was played with the teams on the pitch rather than whilst walking out.

For me, this is a much better way of doing it, like how Liverpool play You’ll Never Walk Alone right before kick off to rouse the crowd prior to the first whistle.

Guardiola and De Zerbi embraced on the touchline, two coaches with the greatest admiration and respect for each other. It would seem that Mr Bloom is not the only big fan of De Zerbi.

Phil Foden did not take long to weave his way around Billy Gilmour and Van Hecke, producing a chipped cross to the far post where the giant figure of Haaland loomed. It was a real shock to all of us when Haaland headed the ball over; a very lucky escape for the Albion.

Brighton came back with some great football through the City lines which gave Danny Welbeck a sight of goal. Foden though intercepted, showing what a good player he is at both ends of the pitch.

Stefan Ortega saved from Gilmour and the champions were starting to realise this might be the normal procession they are used to.

Ilkay Gundogan fouled Gilmour five yards outside the City box. Welbeck took the free kick, curling up and over the wall and against the crossbar. So close to perfection for Welbeck.

Foden broke again and played in Haaland, who this time broke away from Van Hecke to bear down on Jason Steele. This is it, I thought. However, Steele dived at the feet of the Premier League’s lead scorer to make a brilliant save.

That Foden and Haaland link up play did eventually give City the lead in the 25th minute. Haaland went clear once more but this time he had support from Foden.

A square pass took Steele out the game and Foden put the ball into the back of the net despite Van Hecke desperately trying to prevent it crossing the line.

It was a class move, though nothing we have not seen Brighton perform many times this season. The question now was would this become a goal bonanza for the champions?

No, it would not. A deflected shot from Julio Enciso won a corner. Pascal Gross delivered a well-placed ball to Welbeck for a downwards header towards Kaoru Mitoma.

Mitoma dived to force the ball over the line. Unfortunately, he stretched his arms out in front as he went to ground and the ball got caught up in his hands.

Appeals for handball went up from at least four City defenders. Referee Simon Hooper took no time in awarding a free kick, meaning the goal was disallowed.

Facundo Buonanotte dribbled his way past two City players to crack a shot away, requiring Ortega to produce a great save.

Brighton were now starting to go from one terrific move to another. Colwill moved the ball down the left to Enciso, who took no time to steady himself.

Still being 32 yards out, Enciso hit what can only be described as a laser-guided shot to the very top right hand corner of the City goal.

No goalkeeper in the world could have kept it out. You could tell how good the strike was by the City supporters in the slow-motion replay, mouths wide open in amazement.

One fan even starts clapping before the ball hits the back of the net. This of course was not the first time Enciso has produced a wonder goal, his strike against Chelsea last month was almost as spectacular.

I wondered what the City players thought when Enciso’s shot went in? Things nearly became worse for them when Welbeck beat Ortega, only to have strayed a fraction offside when collecting a Mitoma pass. What might have been had that goal stood?

Moments before half time and Foden nearly put City back into the lead with a header across goal which kissed the top side of Steele’s crossbar.

As the second half began, I thought to myself that City would come out all guns blazing. Brighton had been brilliant in the first 45 minutes and the football was so entertaining. What though if City stepped it up?

The Albion never let that happen. Whatever De Zerbi said during his team talk worked and City actually had fewer chances.

Evan Ferguson replaced Welbeck and his first shot needed to be saved by Ortega. Pervis Estupinan let rip a howitzer of an effort from a similar sort of distance as Enciso in the first half, only for it to be no more than an inch away.

The excitement and speed of the game were almost exhausting. How was I going to be able to teach at 9am the following morning, and be at it all day?

City substitute Cole Palmer managed to get away down the left to deliver a deep cross. Guess who was waiting at the back post?

Yes, the Jolly Giant of City Haaland. He finally managed to beat Steele, only for a VAR check to take place for a foul by Haaland on Colwill. Mr Hooper had no doubt that Colwill’s shirt had been tugged and the goal was chalked off.

One final chance went the way of Brighton. A charge forward left Moises Caicedo with options left, right and centre. He played it nicely out towards Gross, whose cross into the middle was headed just over by Mitoma.

The full time whistle brought appreciation from everyone about what we had just witnessed. Not only that, but Europa League football was now guaranteed for Brighton.

Mixed in with the celebrations and happiness was a tinge of sadness that this was the last time we might see Mac Allister, Caicedo and maybe other top Albion players at the Amex in a Brighton shirt.

Who knows if the opportunity of playing in the Europa League for Brighton might tempt some to stay. It is important to remember that the career of a footballer is short one, and they never know what is around the corner Players have to do what they feel is right for them.

Whatever happens, we can be confident that the show will go on. With Mr Paul Barber, Mr Bloom and De Zerbi at the helm, it is onwards and upwards.

Tony Noble @Noble1844Tony