Brighton’s Lucrative Week Off the Pitch
Brighton could not turn a lucrative week off the pitch into a profitable one on it after they were held to a goalless draw at Brentford. The Seagulls announced an eye-watering annual profit of £122.8 million, a record for an English club, following the most successful season in their history.
Chairman Tony Bloom’s Celebrations
Chairman Tony Bloom celebrated by taking his place among the away fans for the match he probably wants to win more than any other, even over arch-rivals Crystal Palace. Bloom refuses to go into the directors’ box at the Gtech Stadium as he and Bees owner Matthew Benham had an almighty fall-out over their business interests some 20 years ago.
The Match Details
Unfortunately, the simmering feud off the pitch was not matched by the on-pitch hostilities in a drab stalemate in west London. It meant Brighton, who finished sixth last season, failed to take advantage of West Ham, Newcastle, and Wolves all dropping points a day earlier in the race for European places. Brentford, meanwhile, edged another point clear of the relegation zone – they are now six above 18th-placed Luton.
Key Moments in the Match:
- The Bees almost opened the scoring early on after a sweeping move from one end of the pitch to the other.
- Toney’s first sight of goal came after half an hour after he was played into the area by Wissa.
- For Brighton, top scorer Joao Pedro, back after two months out injured, drew a save from Bees keeper Mark Flekken.
Final Moments of the Match:
Substitute Danny Welbeck had two chances in stoppage time to win it for Brighton but he headed a corner wide and then fizzed a low drive the wrong side of the far post as a distinctly low-key encounter ended goalless.