The fixture of Brighton vs West Ham has emerged as one of the Premier League's most intriguing and unpredictable encounters. While lacking the deep-seated animosity of a traditional derby, the clashes between these two clubs have been defined by dramatic turnarounds, stunning goals, and an astonishing statistical anomaly.
The story of Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United is one of two clubs with different historical trajectories that have found common ground in the English top flight. West Ham, a founding member of the Premier League, boasts a storied history defined by an iconic FA Cup win and a recent European trophy, the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Brighton, on the other hand, spent decades navigating the lower leagues, even teetering on the brink of extinction, before their remarkable ascent to the Premier League in 2017.
Before the Premier League era, meetings between the two were sporadic. Their very first encounter dates back to the Southern League in 1903, a 3-2 victory for Brighton. Their paths would cross again in the old Divisions One and Two, and later in the Championship, but it was Brighton's promotion that truly reignited the competitive spark between them. The rivalry gained a new dimension and a new chapter began, marked by a fascinating series of results that defied all expectations.
For years, the Seagulls held a psychological edge over the Hammers. In a remarkable run of form following Brighton's promotion, they went unbeaten against West Ham for 12 consecutive Premier League matches. This streak, spanning from 2017 to 2023, saw Brighton win six and draw six, a statistical oddity that frustrated West Ham fans and delighted their Brighton counterparts.
This period of dominance cemented the fixture's reputation as a "bogey team" encounter for West Ham, where tactical superiority and a never-say-die attitude from Brighton often nullified the Hammers' attacking threats. The streak was finally broken in a memorable 3-1 victory for West Ham at the Amex in August 2023, a result that marked a significant turning point in the rivalry's narrative.
A look at the raw data reveals a compelling picture of this modern rivalry. The overall head-to-head record across all competitions paints a narrow lead for Brighton, but the Premier League statistics are where the real story lies.
Overall Head-to-Head Record (All Competitions, as of September 2025):
Total Matches: 63
Brighton Wins: 22
Draws: 22
West Ham Wins: 19
(Source: Fact-checked historical data from authoritative sports statistics archives).
While Brighton holds the slender lead in the all-time record, it's the Premier League era that has truly defined the fixture.
Premier League Head-to-Head Record (as of September 2025):
Total Matches: 16
Brighton Wins: 7
Draws: 8
West Ham Wins: 1
Total Goals Scored: Brighton 30, West Ham 21
Average Goals Per Match: 3.19
The single West Ham victory, a 3-1 win in August 2023, stands out as a significant milestone, ending a run of six years without a Premier League win against the Seagulls. This game, featuring goals from James Ward-Prowse, Jarrod Bowen, and Michail Antonio, was not just a statistical correction but also a statement of intent from a West Ham side eager to overcome their historical struggles against Brighton.
The rivalry is punctuated by a series of high-octane matches that have left a lasting impression on fans.
This was a pivotal moment in the newly forged Premier League rivalry. Coming off the back of promotion, Brighton traveled to the London Stadium and produced a masterclass in counter-attacking football. A brace from Glenn Murray and a goal from Jose Izquierdo sealed a stunning 3-0 victory, which set the tone for the coming years and marked the beginning of Brighton's long unbeaten run against the Hammers.
This six-goal classic perfectly encapsulated the unpredictable nature of the fixture. West Ham raced into a 2-0 lead, only for Brighton to fight back and take a 3-2 lead through goals from Angelo Ogbonna (own goal), Leandro Trossard, and Pascal Groß. However, the drama wasn't over. A late goal from Robert Snodgrass ensured the points were shared in a chaotic encounter that showcased both teams' attacking prowess and defensive fragilities.
After more than six years of frustration, West Ham finally broke their Premier League curse against Brighton. The 3-1 victory at the Amex was a tactical masterclass from David Moyes's side, who exploited Brighton's high defensive line and possession-based game with ruthless efficiency. The result was a huge confidence boost for West Ham and a stark reminder for Brighton that their long-standing dominance over the Hammers was no longer guaranteed.
The most recent Premier League clash between the two, which took place in late April 2025, perfectly illustrated the fixture's penchant for late drama. Brighton went ahead early through Yasin Ayari, but West Ham fought back, with goals from Mohammed Kudus and Tomáš Souček putting them in front late in the game.
Just as West Ham appeared to have secured a rare away win, Brighton mounted a sensational comeback. Goals from Kaoru Mitoma in the 89th minute and a stunning long-range winner from Carlos Baleba in the 92nd minute sealed an improbable 3-2 victory, keeping Brighton's hopes for European qualification alive and reigniting the rivalry's reputation for thrilling, unpredictable outcomes.
Certain players have left an indelible mark on this fixture, their performances often determining the outcome.
Pascal Groß (Brighton): The German midfielder has been a constant thorn in West Ham's side. His incredible work rate, pinpoint passing, and ability to arrive late in the box have seen him register several key goals and assists against the Hammers.
Michail Antonio (West Ham): Known for his physical dominance and relentless energy, Antonio has often been the focal point of West Ham's attack. His goal in the 3-1 victory was a perfect example of his ability to bully defenders and provide a direct threat.
Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton): The Japanese winger's pace and dribbling have consistently posed a significant threat. His late equalizer in the April 2025 match showcased his ability to produce moments of magic and change the course of a game in an instant.
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham): A key player in West Ham's attacking setup, Bowen's pace and clinical finishing have been instrumental. His goal and assist in the 3-1 win were crucial in finally breaking the six-year winless streak against Brighton.
The managerial battle is often as compelling as the action on the pitch. The contrast in tactical philosophies has been a defining feature of the Brighton vs West Ham fixture.
Under their current head coach, Fabian Hürzeler, Brighton has continued to build on the foundation of possession-based football laid by his predecessors. Talkbrit Hürzeler's tactical philosophy is centered on fluid, positional play, aiming to create overloads in key areas and build patiently from the back.
Build-up Play: Brighton typically uses a 4-2-4 or a 4-1-2-3 formation in build-up, with the midfielders and sometimes even the strikers dropping deep to create numerical superiority and draw out the opposition. This creates space in behind for wingers or attacking midfielders to exploit.
Attacking the Half-Spaces: A hallmark of Hürzeler's system is the exploitation of the half-spaces—the channels between the opposition's center-back and full-back. This is achieved through clever underlapping runs from midfielders and wide players.
The High Press: Off the ball, Brighton is known for its intense and aggressive high press. This man-to-man system aims to force turnovers in dangerous areas of the pitch, effectively using their defense as a form of attack.
West Ham's tactical identity has undergone a recent change. Following Julen Lopetegui's brief tenure, the club appointed former manager Graham Potter in January 2025, marking a significant strategic shift.
Graham Potter's Influence: Potter, ironically, is a former Brighton manager, so he understands the Seagulls' system intimately. He is known for his adaptable, possession-oriented style, a departure from the more direct, counter-attacking approach of David Moyes. Potter's West Ham side, while still a threat on the break, now seeks to control games through midfield dominance and intricate passing.
Fluidity and Overloads: Similar to Brighton, Potter's system uses fluid formations, often shifting between a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1. His teams are designed to create overloads on one side of the pitch to draw defenders out, then quickly switch the play to the isolated winger on the opposite flank.
Exploiting Set Pieces: West Ham has historically been one of the most dangerous teams from set pieces in the Premier League. With players like James Ward-Prowse delivering crosses and aerial threats like Tomáš Souček, they pose a constant threat from corners and free-kicks, a tactical weapon that often circumvents Brighton’s possession-based dominance.
For any football fan looking to experience the unique atmosphere of a Liverpool Daily News Brighton vs West Ham match, here are some practical tips.
Tickets for a Premier League match are notoriously difficult to come by, especially for a high-demand fixture.
Club Membership: The most reliable way to secure a ticket is to become a club member for either Brighton or West Ham. Both clubs offer priority access to tickets for home and away fixtures.
General Sale: A very limited number of tickets may go on general sale, but this is rare and they sell out almost instantly.
Hospitality Packages: For those with a larger budget, hospitality packages offer guaranteed seats, food, and drink, providing an excellent way to experience the game without the stress of the general ticket scramble.
Resale Marketplaces: Be cautious when using third-party resale sites. Only use official, authorized platforms to avoid scams and invalid tickets.
The Amex Stadium (Brighton): The stadium is conveniently located just outside Brighton, with excellent transport links. Falmer station is adjacent to the ground, offering direct train services from Brighton, Lewes, and London. The club also operates a park-and-ride system.
The London Stadium (West Ham): The stadium is located in Stratford, East London, and is one of the most accessible stadiums in the UK. It is served by the Jubilee Line, Central Line, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and National Rail services, including the high-speed Elizabeth Line.
The atmosphere is electric at both stadiums, with passionate home support and a vocal traveling contingent. Brighton's fans are known for their vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere, while West Ham's supporters bring a deep-rooted, boisterous energy. Arrive early to soak in the pre-match buzz, explore the surrounding areas, and witness the teams warm up.
As of late 2024 and early 2025, the dynamic between the two clubs has been a fascinating mix of old habits and new developments. West Ham's appointment of Graham Potter London City News has shifted their tactical identity, moving them away from being a purely counter-attacking unit. This has led to more possession-based battles against Brighton, creating a fascinating chess match on the field.
However, the late-game drama remains a constant. The 3-2 victory for Brighton in April 2025, where the Seagulls scored two goals in the final minutes, proved that despite changes in managers and systems, the fixture's ability to produce stunning comebacks is an unshakeable trend.
West Ham's vulnerability to late goals has been a recurring issue, while Brighton's resilience, even when behind, continues to define their competitive spirit. Both teams are now vying for European spots, adding an extra layer of competitive fire to every match.
As of September 2025, across all competitions, Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United have faced each other 63 times. Brighton holds a slight edge with 22 wins to West Ham's 19, with 22 matches ending in a draw.
While individual records can be difficult to track with precision, players like Glenn Murray, Leandro Trossard, and Pascal Groß have been prolific for Brighton in these encounters. For West Ham, Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen have been the key attacking threats, with a combined total of multiple goals and assists against the Seagulls.
West Ham's first and only Premier League victory against Brighton came in August 2023, a 3-1 win at the Amex Stadium. This result ended a long-standing "hoodoo" that saw West Ham fail to win in their previous 12 Premier League meetings against Brighton.
The rivalry is unique because it's not based on geographical proximity or historical animosity. Instead, it has been forged in the Premier League era through a fascinating statistical anomaly, a series of high-scoring and dramatic matches, and a stark contrast in tactical philosophies between the two clubs for a number of years.
The appointment of Graham Potter in January 2025 has led to a significant shift in West Ham's playing style. While the sample size is small, the new tactical approach, which emphasizes possession and fluid passing, creates a more even tactical battle against Brighton's similar philosophy, moving away from the pure counter-attacking style that previously defined the fixture.
The Brighton vs West Ham fixture has evolved into a highlight of the Premier League calendar. It is a rivalry built not on tradition, but on drama, tactical intrigue, and the unpredictability of modern football.
From Brighton’s long-standing unbeaten streak to West Ham’s recent breaking of the hoodoo, and the consistent spectacle of late-game heroics, every encounter is a captivating narrative in its own right. As both clubs continue to establish themselves as top-tier contenders with European ambitions, the stakes will only grow, ensuring that this fixture remains one of the most exciting and talked-about clashes in English football.
