It was Evan Ferguson, a name that has become synonymous with goal-scoring prowess. His journey in the Premier League has been a rollercoaster, with periods of exceptional form followed by long dry spells. Let's delve into the factors behind his rise and fall.

Unraveling the Mysterious Goal Drought of Evan Ferguson

Injuries Disrupting Rhythm

Back in September 2022, Ferguson scored a hat-trick in a 3 - 1 home win against Newcastle. This remarkable feat caught the attention of Premier League great Alan Shearer, who wrote for The Athletic, praising Ferguson's all-round game. However, just two months later, an ankle injury sustained while trying to convert a cross during a match against Chelsea had long-term consequences. Despite strength and conditioning work, he continued to be troubled by the injury and eventually had ligament surgery, ruling him out for six months until this September. These injuries disrupted his rhythm and affected his performance on the pitch.

During his 2022 - 23 breakthrough season, Ferguson scored 10 goals in 25 matches across all competitions. He became the second-youngest Premier League player to score in consecutive appearances against Arsenal and Everton. But the seeds of his downturn in fortunes were sown during that season with a patellar tendon knee issue and a back injury.

Battle for Game Time

Last season, head coach Roberto De Zerbi rotated his Brighton team to cope with the extra matches due to qualifying for Europe for the first time in the club's history. With the signings of Joao Pedro from Watford for £30 million and Ansu Fati on a season-long loan from Barcelona, competition for places up front increased. Ferguson became a victim of the frequent changes to the line-up as his ankle problem was managed. He hasn't started successive matches since December 2022, denying him the regularity and physical conditioning that comes with playing regularly. A source close to Ferguson said, "Last season, you just write off."

Despite his talent, Ferguson struggled to secure a consistent starting position, which affected his confidence and form on the field.

Coaching Changes

Ferguson has played under three different head coaches at Brighton - Fabian Hurzeler since the summer, Roberto De Zerbi for most of the previous two seasons, and Graham Potter who gave him his Premier League debut in February 2022. While the styles of all three coaches are similar in terms of progressive football played from the back, they have different demands on the forwards. De Zerbi wanted more in-possession involvement and dropping deep to link the play, while under Potter it was more about channel runs and stretching the play.

Now, with Hurzeler in charge, Ferguson is adjusting again. Hurzeler believes Ferguson has the potential and has given him his first start since March in the 3 - 2 Carabao Cup win against Wolves. He emphasized the importance of Ferguson integrating into the team's style of play and following their principles.

What Does the Future Hold?

Getting regular game time will be a challenge for Ferguson under Hurzeler. Joao Pedro returned from an ankle injury just before the current international break and scored in Brighton's 2 - 1 comeback win against Manchester City. The arrival of club-record £40 million summer signing Georginio Rutter makes it even harder for Ferguson to nail down a place, although Rutter is a No 10 or right winger rather than direct competition. Danny Welbeck, on the other hand, is in great form with six goals in 11 league games.

However, an understanding is developing between Rutter and Welbeck. Rutter set up goals for Welbeck in three consecutive games in October. Ferguson will hopefully benefit from the know-how of former Brighton goalscoring hero Bobby Zamora, who has become a part-time striker consultant. Brighton sees Ferguson as a long-term investment, and his camp believes he will thrive once he returns to full match fitness and sharpness.

Shearer's conclusion from last year rings true now. "Ferguson is a special talent, one that needs to be nurtured. He's at the right club at the right time, but as far as the future goes, he can be anything he wants to be."