Are Arsenal a master of the dark arts or have we been unfairly judged?

The Gunners have had two very big games back-to-back, both against London rivals. We came through the Spurs match with flying colours, but Chelsea wasn’t so straight forward. Nevertheless, it was two wins from two. Performance aside, that is what matters the most. Arsenal had their five point advantage still intact, but Brighton away posed a difficult challenge for Mikel Arteta’s men. In a very rare instance, Manchester City hosted Nottingham Forest at the same time. Both title challengers would spend the night going blow for blow.

First Half

Brighton started the game looking like the team who wanted it more. The Gunners were forced into an early mistake that almost gave Brighton the advantage. David Raya attempted to find a team-mate with a pass, but the ball was intercepted and suddenly the Spaniard was left exposed. Carlos Baleba attempted to chip the ball over him, but Gabriel was on hand to make sure it didn’t cross the line. Arsenal needed to get a grip and fast. They were able to engineer a bit of space beyond the Brighton defence after Eberechi Eze slipped a cute ball in behind for Bukayo Saka to chase. However, Gabriel Martinelli wasn’t on the same wavelength and made his run in the opposite direction to where the ball was played. The next time Arsenal went on the attack, Saka was at the heart of it once more. This time he chose to be selfish and put Arsenal 1-0 up. A rather hopeful hit from the edge of the box, but the deflection took the ball through the keeper’s legs. Brighton were perhaps a little frustrated to be down after a promising start, but they worked a good chance just before the 15th minute. A neat one-two on the edge of the box required Gabriel to put in a crucial block. Brighton came again and executed another slick one-two, but this time the shot was blocked by a colleague of the Brighton forward. A lot of tussling and fouling, but no real chances were created after this point.

Second Half

It was more of the same in the second half. Brighton were able to sustain relative pressure, but not able to create something clear cut. The first real piece of action that Raya had to deal with was from a bobbling strike from distance. Georginio Rutter’s effort zipped off the deck, but Raya was equal to it. However, the best chance that the Seagulls conjured was after Yankuba Minteh left Cristian Mosquera for dead. He flashed a ball into the box, but Arsenal were able to crowd out their opponents and cleared their lines. The Gunners knew something more was needed and they almost got their wish of a second goal. Carlos Baleba was caught on the ball, Kai Havertz was then put through on goal. However, Baleba rectified his mistake and made a last ditch challenge to prevent the German from scoring. Arteta’s men continued their search for a second. Leandro Trossard was presented with the ball in the box, following a cut back from Jurrien Timber, but the Belgian sliced his shot well wide of the post. The North London side found some space again in Brighton’s box, but Havertz could only sting the gloves of Bart Verbruggen. That was the last real piece of action.

Statistics

Arsenal weren’t at their best and Brighton deserved something, but it wasn’t to be. Arsenal had 7 shots with just 2 on target. This generated an xG of 0.47 with 0 big chances created. Brighton had 11 shots with 3 on target. This created 0.82 xG with 2 big chances created.

Player Ratings

Starting XI

Raya – 6 – Had an absolute howler right at the start of the match, giving the ball away so cheaply. However, he made a couple of good saves after. His real contribution came from claiming crosses and being a presence in the box. An underrated aspect of his game.

Timber – 6 – He done okay. Maybe a little lacklustre defensively. He did have a couple of moments where he escaped the Brighton press, but nothing was created from it. He did get the assist for Saka’s goal.

Mosquera – 5 – I like him and he offers so much good, but tonight was a teachable moment. Perhaps he didn’t deserve his yellow, but after that he looked like he was skating towards a red. Minteh also got the better of him from a tight angle and it almost gave the hosts a goal.

Gabriel – 9 (MOTM) – A monumental performance. Provided two crucial, goal saving contributions. That was just in the first half. He stood tall and just repelled everything the Seagulls threw at the Gunners.

Hincapie – 8 – Another giant defensive performance. He’s a duel winning monster and thrives on putting his body on the line. He was good at left back, but when he moved into RCB, that’s when he came alive. He won everything in the air and was positioned so well to deal with any threat.

Zubimendi – 3 – Another game that’s just passed him by. He lacks any kind of desire to progress the ball and it’s seriously hurting us. It feels like there’s a void where a midfielder should be. I’m putting it down to fatigue, but that excuse can’t ride for too much longer.

Rice – 8 – In terms of an offensive performance, it was largely non existent. However, his defensive game was just a different level. He was incredibly determined in all phases and it resulted in Arsenal earning a clean sheet. His second engine kicked in here and the whole squad benefitted from it.

Eze – 4 – Had one nice flick on for Saka to run through, but outside of that it he was quiet. He pressed pretty well, but that’s about it.

Saka – 7 – Got his goal and was the best attacker we had, which isn’t saying much. Most of what was good came through Saka and his contribution helped us go seven points clear at the top.

Gyokeres – 2 – He couldn’t do anything. I’ve never seen the Brighton defence look so comfortable. He didn’t win a thing and it was pointless having him as an outlet. Get him the ball in the box and he’ll do something, anywhere else and you feel a man down.

Martinelli – 3 – Another non existent performance from this starting XI. He added nothing to the game apart from slight defensive contributions. However, he could quite easily have given a penalty away and was quite lucky he didn’t.

Substitutes

Calafiori – 6 – Arsenal were able to settle into some kind of rhythm when he came on. I wouldn’t say it was an amazing performance, but he put his foot on the ball and that helped the team. We need to find a way of getting Hincapie and Calafiori in the starting XI together.

Havertz – 7 – He came on and showed Gyokeres how to be an outlet. He won aerial duels, had some nice touches and chances were created. Maybe he could’ve done better when he was put through on goal twice, but he is still lacking match fitness.

Trossard – 3 – He’s all or nothing and this was a nothing performance. We didn’t create many chances in Brighton’s box, but he had a brilliant opportunity to add a second. He rushed his shot and completely sliced it. Even Gabriel at the back post couldn’t believe how badly he missed.

Norgaard – N/A –

Summary

For decades we’ve been told how soft we were and that we need to toughen up, we need to be smarter. We always played the attractive football and got nowhere except a few FA Cup’s. This time we’re in a position to win the Premier League and we’ve got a mean streak in us. We know how to play the game, we’ve become a defensive rock and we don’t take shit from anyone. It has not been well received across the footballing globe, but it’s working for us. If it can win us the Premier League and perhaps another trophy then I’m all for it. This game was tough and we didn’t look good at all. However, we earned those three points with a huge defensive performance. Sometimes that’s how we have to win and it will happen a few times before the season is out.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup

There’s always the magic of the FA Cup that we have to worry about, but our second string team should be able to deal with Mansfield. The fact it’s away is awkward, but we handled Portsmouth and we can do it again. Kepa Arrizabalaga is our cup keeper, so he’ll give Raya a break. Marli Salmon has featured at right back a few times and Timber needs a rest. If Ben White is fit then he’ll go in, but until he’s cleared, I’d like to see Salmon. Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori are competent enough to be the centre back pairing. William Saliba, Gabriel and Piero Hincapie can all get a rest. This means that Myles Lewis-Skelly can slot in at left back to gain some minutes. Christian Norgaard can sit in the number ‘6’ role to give Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice a rest. Eberechi Eze can fill in the other midfield slot as we should try and set up with a more offensive approach. Noni Madueke deserves some minutes to give Saka a rest. Max Dowman is back fit and I’d like to see him in a central role, seeing as Arsenal see him there for the future. Martinelli is our cup king this season and he should go in for it. Finally, we haven’t seen Gabriel Jesus for a couple of fixtures, so he can complete the full 90 here. As it stands, White and Martin Odegaard are doubts. If either are fit then I’d start them both. We can’t show up and expect to win, but these players have something to prove so we should get a dominant win. Let’s get it!