1) Brighton are an inspiration
Sean Dyche was asked about the difference between preparing for Manchester City, Everton’s opponents on Sunday, and Brighton, whom they had clattered 5-1 in midweek. He observed that City play in various ways whereas Brighton have a particular method – and how well it’s serving them. Roberto De Zerbi has done an incredible job since replacing Graham Potter, all the more so as he’s refined their style mid-season. Next season, though, he’ll be facing opponents who know what to expect having seen various tactics deployed against it – and in all likelihood, will have European competition to contend with having lost a big player or two to richer rivals. So there’s a lot of work for the club to do: identifying replacements, signing reinforcements and developing different ways of playing. But in the meantime, their destruction of an admittedly tired Arsenal is just the latest evidence of an almost perfectly run football club; one that should inspire others at every level. Daniel Harris
