In their first top-flight season a 4-0 home defeat to Arsenal set the tone for an abysmal start to life in the big time. However, an away win to European Cup holders Nottingham Forest in November inspired a remarkable recovery and Brighton finished the season well safe from relegation with a respectable 37 points.
The following season, Brighton found them in relegation trouble before an end-of-season rally with victories over Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Sunderland and Leeds United in the last four games. However Alan Mullery resigned after a dispute with the directors, and was replaced by Charlton manager Mike Bailey.
Season 1981-82 was the high point of Brighton's stay in the top flight, with the side in the top half or mid-table all season. They lost seven out of their last eight games that season but still finish a credible 13th on 52 points, their highest-ever league finish to date..
The following season saw a wildly inconsistent start, with victories over Arsenal and Manchester United mixed in with heavy defeats Mike Bailey eventually lost his job at the start of December 1982. Jimmy Melia took over as manager but was unable to turn the situation around and Brighton ended up being relegated in bottom place.
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