Brighton, not a trio, is driving the Premier League's 'Bermuda Triangle' myth
September 24, 2026 16:10
WHAT THE NUMBERS SAY
Since the start of the 2024-25 season the three clubs have produced markedly different records against Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham. Brighton have taken 42 points from 26 matches (1.62 points per game), Bournemouth 35 points from 26 matches (1.35), and Brentford 22 points from 26 matches (0.85).
Other non-Big-Six clubs have matched or bettered Brentford’s return against elite opposition: Newcastle and Nottingham Forest are both at 1.46 points per game, and Aston Villa 1.38, over the same period.
A separate Opta finding highlights Brighton’s standing under their current manager: "Since Fabian Hurzeler took charge, only Kenny Dalglish's Blackburn have recorded a better points-per-game return against the traditional Big Six among managers of non-Big-Six clubs with at least 10 matches."
WHY THE MYTH PERSISTS
The narrative combines real results with perception. Brighton and Bournemouth have consistently taken points off the league’s heavyweights, while Brentford’s collection of high-profile wins under Thomas Frank and now Keith Andrews has added memorable moments. All three clubs operate with far smaller recruitment and spending power than the Big Six, which makes upsets stand out and linger in supporters’ memories.
BOTTOM LINE
Opta data supports the idea that these clubs can trouble elite opposition, but it points more strongly to Brighton as the main driver of the 'Bermuda Triangle' story. Bournemouth provides solid backing; Brentford contributes striking individual results, but their overall numbers are weaker than the meme implies.