For the first time in their existence, Brighton & Hove Albion are in first place in the Premier League thanks to eight goals and six points from their first two games. If any more evidence were required that they are one of the best-run clubs in the top division, here is it.
A little more than ten years ago, Brighton was homeless and faced an uncertain future. This weekend, Brighton will welcome West Ham United in an effort to keep their winning streak going.
Last year's sixth-place finish was the best in the club's history, taking them into the Europa League.
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Inevitably their big-name players became targets for the Premier League's so-called elite and keeper Robert Sanchez and midfielder Moises Caicedo were lured to Chelsea with Alexis Mac Allister joining Liverpool – the three deals worth close to 200 million pounds ($253 million).
Such an exodus would have shook clubs with less solid roots, but Brighton have simply carried on, soar high like the seagulls on the club's emblem.
Few would anticipate Roberto De Zerbi's team to mount a consistent title challenge, particularly in light of the Europa League's obligations, which are expected to put burden on the team.
But for sheer entertainment, Brighton will again prove extremely popular with the neutrals.
In the 34 games that Italian De Zerbi has been in charge, Brighton have scored and conceded in 22 of them.
Those 34 games have also witnessed 119 goals – 69 for Brighton and 50 for the opposition – the highest number of any club since former Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk coach De Zerbi replaced Graham Potter, who jumped ship to Chelsea.
Brighton scored 72 goals last season, 30 more than their previous best in the top flight and the way they have started the new campaign, more records could fall.
An economic impact report commissioned by the club showed they provided a boost of nearly 600 million pounds to the local economy in the 2022-23 season and European visitors heading to the Amex Stadium will offer another 80 million pounds boost.
Money aside, Brighton have also become the blueprint for clubs of a similar size.
"It's what the English pyramid delivers. If you do a good job on and off the pitch, you'll get your rewards and European football is there to be had if you get it right," Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said.
West Ham, like Brighton, also appear a club on the rise after winning last year's Europa Conference League and last week's 3-1 victory over Chelsea means they will head to Brighton confident of bringing the Seagulls back to earth.
Brighton are one of only three clubs to win their opening two fixtures, along with champions Manchester City and Arsenal.
City are at promoted Sheffield United on Sunday with Arsenal hosting Fulham on Saturday.
Chelsea kick off the third round of fixtures on Friday when they host Luton Town – a fixture that should offer new manager Mauricio Pochettino the chance to record his first victory since taking the Stamford Bridge hot seat.
Fourth-placed Brentford, who give Brighton a close run for their money when it comes to punching above their weight, face a third successive London derby as they host Crystal Palace.
Brentford, who drew with Tottenham Hotspur and beat Fulham in their opening fixtures, are unbeaten in 11 games against clubs from the capital.
Tottenham, who has four points along with Brentford, West Ham, and Liverpool, is away at Bournemouth on Sunday, while Liverpool will have a challenging journey to Newcastle United.
Manchester United will want to get back on track against Nottingham Forest after their loss against Tottenham.
