Brighton still rocking, despite big-name exits

LONDON: Eight goals and six points from their opening two games have put Brighton and Hove Albion on top of the Premier League for the first time in their history - proof, if any were still needed, that they are one of the best run clubs in the top flight.

Brighton, homeless and facing an uncertain future little more than a decade ago, welcome West Ham United on Saturday looking to continue their dream start.

Last year's sixth-place finish was the best in the club's history, taking them into the Europa League.

Inevitably their big-name players became targets for the Premier League's so-called elite and keeper Robert Sanchez and midfielder Moises Caicedo were lured to Chelsea with Alexis Mac Allister joining Liverpool - the three deals worth close to 200 million pounds ($253 million).

Clubs built on less stable foundations might have been shaken by such an exodus, but Brighton have just carried on regardless, soaring high like the seagulls on the club's crest.

Few would expect Roberto De Zerbi's side to mount a sustained title challenge, especially with the demands of the Europa League, which is likely to place a strain on the squad.

But for sheer entertainment, Brighton will again prove extremely popular with the neutrals.

In the 34 games that Italian De Zerbi has been in charge, Brighton have scored and conceded in 22 of them.

Those 34 games have also witnessed 119 goals - 69 for Brighton and 50 for the opposition - the highest number of any club since former Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk coach De Zerbi replaced Graham Potter, who jumped ship to Chelsea.

Brighton scored 72 goals last season, 30 more than their previous best in the top flight and the way they have started the new campaign, more records could fall.

An economic