Five things we learned from Albion's win against Rotherham

Brighton cruised to a 3-0 win at home to Rotherham in the Championship to continue their unbeaten start to the season.
Glenn Murray celebrates scoring Albion's second. Picture by Phil WestlakeGlenn Murray celebrates scoring Albion's second. Picture by Phil Westlake
Glenn Murray celebrates scoring Albion's second. Picture by Phil Westlake

Goals from Anthony Knockaert, Glenn Murray and Tomer Hemed took Albion to all three points but what were the key points to come out of the match?

1: Goal difference. Last season, Albion beat Forest and Rotherham at home and drew at Derby - the same outcomes as this season. The only difference is Albion only beat Forest and Rotherham by one goal last year, this season there is a ruthlessness in front of goal and Brighton already have a plus-six goal difference after just three games.

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2: Best central midfield partnership? Last season’s pairing of Kayal and Stephens haven’t played together this campaign yet. Stephens was excellent tonight and Norwood also had a solid game, while Kayal and Sidwell haven’t really put a foot wrong either this season. Kayal and Stephens are still probably the strongest pairing and I’d expect them to start together at Reading if both fit.

3: Another clean sheet. A fourth in succession this season for Albion in Maenpaa’s first ever league appearance for the Seagulls after joining last summer. He brilliantly came out to claim one free kick early in the second half and also made two superb saves, which showed he is a more than able deputy for Stockdale.

4: The wing wizard. After Friday’s game with Nottingham Forest, Chris Hughton was asked if Anthony Knockaert was the best player in the Championship. He side-stepped the question somewhat but Knockaert has lit up the Amex on several occasions since joining from Standard Liege in January. Tonight’s goal was his seventh in 13 home appearances. Albion now need him to start replicating this kind of form in away games, if he does there can be few arguments if he is labelled the best player in the division.

5: Don’t get carried away. Tougher tests are to come in the Championship this season but there can be little doubt the Seagulls have started this season on fire and have made sure there is no hangover after the disappointment of last season.

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