What has contributed to an underwhelming second half of the Premier League season for Albion?

Their primary concern has been their inability to replace their midfield and the creative spark that came with it, in light of the departures of Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister to Chelsea and Liverpool, respectively, writes Anujit Vijayakumar.

Their chance creation and innovation in the final third have taken a massive toll since losing the pair in the summer.

The fundamental principles of De Zerbi’s footballing ideology instilled in the squad remain.

They build up from the defence, using the goalkeeper as the extra man.

The Seagulls attract pressure from the opposition midfield and attack to free up space in behind the first and second lines of the press to progress the ball into midfield from their half.

However, once they surpass the first line of press and progress into the second phase, they cannot identify the direction they need to move.

The decision-making, movement, and pass selection when in transition and the final third have been questionable throughout the season.

Midfield reinforcements have not stepped into the shoes of their predecessors.

Injuries to Kaoru Mitoma (pictured) and Pervis Estupinan haven’t helped either. Their high dependence on Mac Allister and Mitoma during their previous campaign has left them struggling with creating clear-cut opportunities in front of goal.

Having begun their season with an incredible five victories out of six fixtures, obtaining 15 points out of a possible 18, the Seagulls have amassed just six victories in the 26 fixtures they have competed in since.

They now sit at tenth in the league, with European dreams seeming far-fetched.

Given Tony Bloom’s ambition to take Albion into a European linchpin in the coming years, he will likely have to reassess his transfer policy and acquire elite-level midfielders and attackers heading into next season.