First Match

Edward, standing by the restaurant door, watched as the agent drove away, leaving behind the promise of a significant addition to Brighton's squad.

Turning back into the restaurant, Edward allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. The deal for Lucas Hernández, a versatile defender capable of playing both left-back and center-back, secured on a loan-to-buy basis for €17 million.

Edward reflected on the discussions that had led to this moment. Julian Nagelsmann's enthusiasm for Hernández had been palpable from the outset. Nagelsmann saw in Hernández a player whose defensive prowess and ability to contribute to attacks could significantly bolster Brighton's capabilities. His versatility, in particular, was seen as invaluable, allowing for greater flexibility in formations and tactics.

From his knowledge of the future, Edward knew that Hernández was an underrated talent, a great defender with immense potential.

The player himself was eager to make the move, given his lack of playing time at Atlético Madrid and If Brighton were to sign him permanently, he would become their record signing, showing Lucas that they truly valued him.

As Edward mentally ran through the current squad, he felt a sense of pride and anticipation. The team had come a long way, and with Hernández's addition, they were shaping up to be a formidable force.

They had Alisson who would become one of the world's greatest goalkeepers and was currently near a worldclass level.

In their defence they had Dunk, Duffy, Bruno, Reece James, Matthijs de Ligt, Akanji, Gaëtan Bong and the new man, Lucas Hernandez.

Besides Bruno, Duffy and Bong, who only remained for squad depth, the rest of their defence could easily become one of the best in the world, Dunk, would soon become a solid defender who even began featuring for England in the near future. The rest, no explanation was needed, De Ligt was already operating at a world class level at his age, Akanji, while not exactly worldclass was still certainly a great defender, Reece James was regarded as one of the best right backs in the word in the future and Lucas Hernandez while not at the same level of James or De Ligt, would soon become worldclass in his own right.

In midfield there was Dale Stephens and Beram Kayal.

But the ones with real potential were Pascal Groß who similarly to Dunk would begin featuring for his national team, Germany, in the future. The rest no explanation was needed, Nicolò Barella, Declan Rice, Rodri and Valverde, these four alone could form one of the best midfields in the football world.

On the wings they had Anthony Knockaert, Solly March, Jarrod Bowen, Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho.

Sancho, Jack, Jarrod and March were the only ones expected to remain before heading into the 2018/19 season, though it was likely that Jarrod would leave on loan as Knockaert still happened to be the better player and Jarrod wasn't quite ready for Premier League football.

Upfront there were Haaland, Lautaro Martinez and Batshuayi but he would be unlikely to remain.

Of course, there were also the players who weren't exactly quite ready to begin playing with the team or were out on loan, Vlahovic, Jamal Musiala, Jude and Jobe Bellingham, Ben White, Robert Sanchez, Michael Olise, Fikayo Tomori and Eberechi Eze. All in all, this team was monstrous and if there was any team that could soon enough win a champions league, it was this one.

Still despite their potential, he knew that ensuring these players developed well was crucial, which is why he had decided to invest in upgrading their training facilities as soon as possible. It was hurting the club financially, as they had already been making other upgrades and hiring new stuff, but it was necessary.

He couldn't help but think about how much of his own money was going into these upgrades. His finances were getting lower, and if he kept spending at this rate, he wouldn't have enough to continue developing Stark Lizard, his other passion project.

His thoughts then drifted to the team's recent performances in preseason matches. Brighton had played exceptionally well, demonstrating their growth and potential.

In the match against the seasoned Italian side Bologna, Brighton's resilience and tactical acumen were put to the test. Despite facing a well-organized defense, Brighton's fluid attacking play and relentless pressing eventually wore down their opponents. A stunning free-kick from Pascal Groß and a clinical finish by Lautaro Martinez secured a victory.

The second match, against Espanyol, presented a different challenge. This encounter required Brighton to display patience and discipline, absorbing pressure while waiting for opportunities to strike. The match resembled a chess game, with Brighton's midfielders Nicolò Barella and Rodri mostly being the ones orchestrating the play. A late goal from Jack Grealish, following a brilliant through-ball from Federico Valverde, sealed the deal.

That wrapped up their Spanish preseason, and the squad was now on their way back to England. The team looked like they had enjoyed the preseason, and many of them had bonded and become more familiar with each other. Some of the players hadn't performed all that well, like Knockaert, Batshuayi, Haaland, Stephens, Bong, and Reece James, but the overall cohesion and understanding within the team had definitely improved.

Now, they had to begin preparing for their first game of the season against Manchester City. The game was on the 12th of August, and it was going to be a real test of their capabilities.

Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, were known for their possession-based style of play and high pressing. They had recently signed several key players who Edward had also wanted but they didn't quite have the finances or influence to sign these players, Bernardo Silva, Ederson, Kyle Walker, and Benjamin Mendy were a few to note. City's team was also filled with talent Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Raheem Sterling, and Sergio Agüero were all players capable of turning a game on its head.

Edward knew that this City team would go on to become one of the most dominant forces in Europe. And Guardiola, arguably the greatest manager of all time, would lead them to numerous titles. Players like De Bruyne and Sane would reach world class status, with De Bruyne often regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world and even in football history.

As he thought about City's strengths, Edward couldn't help but notice some similarities in their approaches. Both teams aimed to play possession football, pressing high to win the ball back quickly. While City had the advantage of experience and world-class players already performing at their peak, Brighton had a squad brimming with potential. The key would be to manage the transition from potential to performance effectively.

The upcoming match against City would be challenging, but it would also be an opportunity to test their mettle against one of the best.

<August 2017 12th,>

<The Amex Stadium>

The Amex Stadium was electric with anticipation. Fans filled the stands, their excitement palpable as they awaited the start of Brighton's first match of the Premier League season against the formidable Manchester City. The air was thick with the sounds of chants, cheers, and the occasional flash of a camera as supporters captured the moment.

As the teams walked out of the tunnel, the stadium erupted in applause. The commentators' voices filled the airwaves, providing insight into the match ahead.

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Amex Stadium for this exciting Premier League opener between Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester City. I'm Martin Tyler, alongside me is Alan Smith. Alan, it's a beautiful day for football, and we have quite a match on our hands."

"Absolutely, Martin. Brighton, under Julian Nagelsmann, have made some impressive signings this summer and have a squad brimming with potential. But they face a tough test today against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, a team that has reinforced heavily during the transfer window."

As the players lined up, the commentators began discussing the lineups.

"Let's take a look at the lineups, starting with Manchester City. They are set up in a 3-1-4-2 formation," Martin Tyler began.

"Ederson starts in goal, with a back three of John Stones, Vincent Kompany, and Nicolas Otamendi. Danilo and Kyle Walker will provide width as wing-backs. Fernandinho sits just in front of the defense, with Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva pulling the strings in midfield. Up front, it's the dangerous duo of Sergio Agüero and Gabriel Jesus," Alan Smith added.

"And on the bench for City, we have Claudio Bravo, Eliaquim Mangala, Yaya Touré, Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, and Leroy Sané. Plenty of options for Guardiola to turn to if needed," Martin Tyler noted.

"Now, let's look at Brighton's lineup. They are expected to play a 4-2-3-1 formation," Tyler continued.

"Alisson starts in goal. The back four consists of Bruno Saltor, Matthijs de Ligt, Lewis Dunk, and Lucas Hernandez. In midfield, it's Rodri and Nicolò Barella, with Pascal Groß playing just ahead of them. Jack Grealish and Solly March are on the wings, and Lautaro Martinez leads the line," Alan Smith described.

"On the bench for Brighton, we have David Stockdale, Manuel Akanji, Gaëtan Bong, Beram Kayal, Federico Valverde, Jadon Sancho, and Michy Batshuayi. An intriguing mix of youth and experience," Tyler concluded.

From the outset, Manchester City looked to impose their style of play. Their high pressing and quick passing caused immediate problems for Brighton. Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva often causing problems as they threaded passes through Brighton's defensive lines.

In the 10th minute, City had their first real chance. A slick passing move ended with De Bruyne playing a through ball to Agüero, but Alisson was quick off his line to smother the shot.

Brighton, however, were not just sitting back. In the 25th minute, Brighton had a chance of their own. A quick counter-attack saw Grealish skip past Walker and deliver a low cross into the box. Martinez's shot was blocked by Kompany, but the ball fell to March, whose effort went just wide of the post.

The game continued to ebb and flow, with both teams creating chances. In the 35th minute, City broke the deadlock. De Bruyne, given too much space outside the box, unleashed a curling shot that flew into the top corner. 1-0 to City.

Brighton responded well. They pressed higher up the pitch, using their newly learned pressing traps trying to force errors from City's defenders. In the 43rd minute, their persistence paid off. Groß intercepted a pass from Fernandinho after a series of intense passing and quickly fed the ball to Martinez. The striker turned and fired a shot that Ederson could only parry into the path of March, who made no mistake from close range. 1-1.

As the halftime whistle blew, both teams headed to the dressing rooms with the game finely poised. The fans at the Amex Stadium were treated to an exciting first half, and the stage was set for an intriguing second half.

"An excellent first half, Alan. Brighton have shown they can compete with the very best," Martin Tyler remarked.

"Indeed, Martin. They've matched City in intensity and have taken their chances well. This second half promises to be a cracker," Alan Smith responded.

In the dressing room, Julian Nagelsmann stood before his players. The players, slightly winded but motivated by their first-half performance, listened intently as Nagelsmann began his analysis.

"Great work out there. We've matched City in intensity, and that's no small feat. But we can't let our guard down. Let's talk about their style of play and where we can find weaknesses."

Nagelsmann pointed to a whiteboard where he'd sketched out City's formation and key players.

"City are using a 3-1-4-2. Their strength lies in their fluidity and the way they use space. De Bruyne and Silva are pulling the strings in midfield, creating overloads and finding those pockets of space. We need to stay tight and compact. Fernandinho, though a solid defensive midfielder, has shown he's susceptible to quick pressure. Groß, you did an excellent job capitalizing on that mistake for our goal. Keep it up."

He turned to the defenders. "Stones and Otamendi have been solid, but Kompany looks a bit off his game today. He's made a few positional errors. Martinez, exploit that. Make those runs in behind him."

Nagelsmann then addressed the wings. "Walker and Danilo are quick and provide width, but they're vulnerable on the counter. Grealish, March, when you get the ball, don't be afraid to take them on. Jack, I know Walker is fast and physical, but use your agility and quick feet to get past him. March, same for you with Danilo."

Jack Grealish raised his hand, slightly hesitating before speaking. "Gaffer, Walker's been tough to get past. He's matching my pace and strength. Any tips?"

Nagelsmann nodded. "Try to draw him in, then use quick one-twos with Groß or Barella to get around him. Don't rely solely on your dribbling. Use the team's movement to your advantage."

Rodri then chimed in. "Their press is intense, but if we can bypass it with quick, precise passes, we can catch them out of position. We need to stay calm under pressure."

"Exactly," Nagelsmann said, a look of approval on his face. "We've seen that we can disrupt their rhythm. Keep the ball moving, don't get caught dwelling on it. And when we win possession, transition quickly. That's where we'll hurt them."

He looked around the room, his eyes meeting each player's. "You've done brilliantly so far. Keep believing in yourselves. Stick to the plan, work for each other, and let's take the game to them in the second half."

As the players nodded and began to rise, Nagelsmann added, "Bruno, your leadership out there is vital. Keep organizing the backline."

With renewed energy and focus, the players headed back out to the pitch. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd roared in anticipation of the second half.

As the second half kicked off, City immediately looked to assert their dominance. The ball was quickly worked to Kyle Walker on the right, who surged forward with blistering pace. Jack Grealish moved to close him down with Hernandez standing off, but Walker's strength allowed him to shrug off the challenge and deliver a cross into the box.

Sergio Agüero, lurking near the penalty spot, received the ball with a deft touch. He danced past Dunk with a quick turn, leaving the Brighton defender in his wake. Agüero then faced de Ligt, who stood his ground. The Argentine attempted to weave through, but de Ligt executed a perfectly timed sliding tackle, nicking the ball away just as Agüero was about to shoot.

The crowd erupted in applause for the young Dutch defender, appreciating the sheer quality of the tackle. Brighton quickly transitioned, with Rodri collecting the loose ball and spraying it wide to March. The winger drove forward, pushing into City's half.

March squared up against Danilo, feinting one way then darting the other. He cut inside and fired a shot towards the far corner, but Ederson was equal to it, diving to his left to make a fingertip save. The ball went out for a corner, and Brighton continued to press.

The intensity of the match kept escalating. In the 60th minute, City capitalized on a rare moment of space. De Bruyne picked up the ball in midfield, spotting Agüero's clever run between Dunk and Bruno. The pass was inch-perfect, and Agüero, with his trademark precision, slipped the ball past Alisson and into the net. City took the lead 2-1.

In the 65th minute, the tension on the pitch was palpable. Brighton, trailing 2-1, were determined to find an equalizer. The ball was worked to Jack Grealish on the left wing, and he squared up against Kyle Walker once more. Grealish attempted to use his agility to dart past Walker, but the City defender was quick and strong, easily dispossessing him.

Grealish sighed in frustration, placing his hands on his hips and failing to track back as Walker sprinted forward with the ball. Nagelsmann, on the sidelines, was visibly displeased, shouting instructions and urging his team to regain their shape.

Rodri, noticing the danger, abandoned his position to intercept Walker's run. With a perfectly timed and forceful tackle, he sent the ball flying out of play, halting City's momentum. "Come on, Jack! Get back, help the team!" Rodri shouted, his frustration clear as he jockeyed back into the center of the field.

The fans, sensing the rising intensity, roared in support of their team. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, every pass and tackle greeted with cheers or gasps. Nagelsmann continued to bark orders from the touchline, his hands gesturing animatedly as he directed the players.

Moments later, Nicolò Barella picked up the ball in midfield. He scanned the field quickly, his head turning to take in the positions of his teammates and opponents. He noticed a gap in City's defensive line and took his chance. With a quick, deft touch, he pushed the ball through the legs of Silva, leaving the City midfielder wrong-footed.

Barella's movements were smooth and precise as he drove forward, the ball seemingly glued to his feet. He performed a lacroquetta, skillfully moving the ball from one foot to the other, bypassing Fernandino who had lunged in to tackle. The fans reacted with a collective gasp of admiration, their excitement building as Barella advanced into the final third.

The midfielder's eyes were fixed on the goal, and he hit the ball with the inside of his foot, slicing through the defensive line and finding Lautaro Martinez on the edge of the box. Martinez controlled the ball, turned sharply, and took a shot that whizzed just past the post, drawing a sigh of relief from Ederson and the City defense.

Nagelsmann, still animated on the sidelines, clapped and shouted encouragement. "Great play, Nicolò! Keep pushing! Stay focused!"

The match continued at a frantic pace. Brighton's intensity did not wane, and the players fed off the energy of the crowd. In the 75th minute, another opportunity arose. Federico Valverde, who had come on as a substitute, received the ball in midfield. He played a clever one-two with Pascal Groß, finding space to drive forward.

Valverde's vision and composure were evident as he threaded a weighted pass to Jadon Sancho, who had replaced March. Sancho used his pace to race down the wing, cutting inside and firing a shot towards the far post. Ederson was once again called into action, making a diving save to keep City in the lead.

The Brighton fans were on their feet, sensing an equalizer was imminent. Nagelsmann urged his players to keep pressing, to maintain the pressure on City's defense. The final minutes were a blur of action, with both teams pushing to control the game.

As the clock ticked towards the 90th minute, Brighton prepared for one final push. De Ligt, composed and vigilant, stepped out from defense to intercept a stray pass intended for Agüero. With a quick glance, he assessed the field and played the ball forward to Rodri, who was immediately pressed by two City players.

Rodri, feeling the pressure, took a quick touch and looked up. Barella, a few yards ahead, signaled for the ball. Rodri shifted it quickly to Barella, who took a steadying touch before lifting his head. He noticed several City players closing in on him—De Bruyne, Fernandinho, and Silva were converging fast.

Realizing he couldn't hold onto the ball for long, Barella glanced left and saw Lucas Hernandez in space on the flank. Barella threaded a crisp pass to Hernandez, who sprinted forward, exploiting the open space ahead of him. The ball rolled slightly ahead of Hernandez, forcing him to stretch, but he managed to control it, keeping Brighton's momentum alive.

Hernandez, now facing Walker, executed a quick step-over to create space and cut inside. Walker reached out to tug Hernandez's shirt, but Hernandez shrugged him off, pushing the ball past him. The crowd's anticipation grew with every touch, their collective breath held as they sensed an opportunity building.

Hernandez dribbled forward into the midfield, as the pressing from Fernandino and Silva created an open space to drift into. Scanning for options as he neared the final third, he saw Sancho making a darting run into the channel between City's center-backs. Hernandez attempted a precise through ball, but Otamendi intercepted it with an outstretched leg. The ball deflected awkwardly, bouncing away from both players.

In a frantic scramble, Valverde and Fernandinho, who had been running behind Lucas, both lunged for the loose ball. Valverde's toe got there first, nudging it away and regaining possession for Brighton. He looked up and saw Groß in space just outside the box. Valverde, while off-balance, managed to pass the ball to Groß, who controlled it with his first touch.

Groß, with a quick glance at the goal, decided against shooting as Otamendi closed him down. Instead, he laid it off to Grealish, who was positioned to his left. Grealish took a touch, sidestepping Sane's desperate lunge. With his body angled, he struck the ball low and hard towards the bottom corner.

The ball skidded across the turf, beating Ederson's outstretched arm but clipping the outside of the post. Lautaro Martinez positioned himself perfectly. With defenders closing in, he controlled it on his chest, dropping it to his right foot. His shot was powerful and precise, aimed for the near post. Ederson, with cat-like reflexes, flung himself to the right, his fingertips just managing to push the ball into the air.

The ball spun dangerously in the six-yard box, creating a chaotic scramble. Jadon Sancho, quick on his feet, darted forward, his eyes locked on the ball. He lunged to strike but found his effort blocked by a desperate tackle from John Stones, who slid in at the last moment, sending the ball ricocheting to the edge of the box.

"Brighton's not giving up! What a frantic end to this match!" Martin Tyler exclaimed as the tension in the stadium reached a fever pitch.

Nicolò Barella, sprinting back into the play, saw the loose ball and seized his opportunity. He took a quick glance to gauge his surroundings and then struck the ball with the instep of his right foot. The ball rocketed through the crowded penalty area, bodies lunging and flailing to block it, but none could get a touch.

The sound of the ball hitting the net was drowned out by the eruption of the Amex Stadium. Fans leapt to their feet, their joy and disbelief painted on their faces. The Brighton players, equally elated, swarmed Barella, who stood with his arms raised, his face filled with emotion.

"Barella on his debut! What a strike! Brighton have equalized!" Alan Smith's voice was nearly lost in the roar of the crowd.

Nagelsmann, on the sidelines, punched the air in celebration, his shouts of joy mingling with those of the fans. He knew how much this goal meant, not just for the match, but for the belief it would instill in his young team.

As the final whistle blew, the players embraced, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the euphoria of the moment. The fans continued to cheer, their pride in the team's performance evident.