Brighton’s Top Four Odds Take Hit After Shock 3-1 Defeat At Home To West Ham

Brighton’s top four odds have taken a hit following a shock 3-1 defeat at home to West Ham, their first of the campaign after an impressive opening two victories.

James Ward-Prowse netted his first goal for the Hammers after his £30m switch from Southampton to give the visitors the lead after just 19 minutes, pouncing on the opportunity gifted to him on a plate from Adam Webster’s howler.

The 28-year-old bagged two assists on his debut against Chelsea and the instant impact has surely elevated West Ham’s ceiling for the season after fighting for Premier League survival last year.

Jarrod Bowen doubled the lead for David Moyes’ side on the stroke of the hour mark, stopping Said Benrahma’s delivery on a dime in impressive fashion to poke home past Bart Verbruggen between the sticks.

Michail Antonio’s superb turn and finish to pile further misery upon Webster made it 3-0 before Pascal Groß added a consolation for the hosts from long range inside the final ten minutes.

According to Premier League betting sites, the Seagulls’ odds to make the top four are now 7/2 – the seventh-best, but most supporters would likely agree a leap into Champions League football is far-fetched at the moment anyways.

Brighton Top Four Odds

• Manchester City @ 1/25
• Arsenal @ 3/10
• Liverpool @ 4/6
• Newcastle United @ 5/4
• Manchester United @ 5/4
• Chelsea @ 8/5
• Brighton @ 7/2
• Tottenham Hotspur @ 4/1

RELATED: Brighton Turn Attention To Arsenal’s Albert Sambi Lokonga In Search For New Midfielder

WHAT A TOUCH AND WHAT A GOAL FROM JARROD BOWEN!

West Ham’s lead doubles ⚒ pic.twitter.com/5AWxVdRUrx

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 26, 2023

Brighton face a tough test in their upcoming fixtures as they host Newcastle next week before a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, so this will give us a strong indication of how close the south coasters are to the true Champions League sides.

Despite managing over 80% possession with 22 total shots, the hosts were outclassed and embarrassed by the Hammers. Their high line was carved open with ease and the defensive unit appeared shaky throughout.

Before kick off at the Amex, reports emerged that Brighton had struck an agreement with Lille midfielder Carlos Baleba to join the club for a fee of €27m plus €3m in add-ons.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi will hope that the 19-year-old starlet can fill the Moises Caicedo-shaped void in their XI, who departed for a British-record fee to Chelsea earlier this month.

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