Brighton Secures First Clean Sheet in 2023/24 Season
Brighton achieved their inaugural clean sheet of the 2023/24 season in a goalless draw against West Ham United on Tuesday. This notable accomplishment propelled Brighton to the seventh position in the league, surpassing Manchester United.
Injury Woes for Both Teams
The match unfolded amid challenges for both sides, as injuries sidelined a significant number of key players. A total of 16 first-team players were missing, contributing to the competitive nature of the encounter.
West Ham Coping with Absences
West Ham grappled with the absence of influential players such as Mohammed Kudus, who was preparing to represent Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations, and Lucas Paqueta.
These absences presented a formidable challenge for West Ham, impacting their overall performance.
Brighton’s Defensive Struggles and Player Returns
On the other side, Brighton navigated their own injury concerns, welcoming back defender Adam Webster.
However, the team had to adapt tactically, fielding James Milner at left-wing due to additional injury setbacks.
This illustrated Brighton’s resilience in the face of adversity.
A Remarkable Defensive Feat
Despite West Ham’s determined efforts, highlighted by goalkeeper Alphonse Areola’s eight crucial saves, they became the first team in 23 Premier League games to fail to score against Brighton.
The solid defensive performance showcased Brighton’s commitment to shoring up their backline and provided a foundation for optimism in the remainder of the season.