Not many Arsenal fans would admit they were not concerned about their team facing Brighton this afternoon. The Seagulls arrived at the Emirates with an impressive winning record in their last three visits to the Emirates, and the Gunners had also suffered a defeat in their last league game against Aston Villa.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side dominated Brighton from the first whistle to the end of the game, making Roberto de Zerbi’s team appear defensively oriented. Despite having 58% possession in the first half, Arsenal looked even more dominant. Brighton defended well, and Arsenal had to wait until eight minutes after the restart to break the deadlock, with Gabriel Jesus scoring from a free header.
This goal gave Brighton reason to push for something from the match, but Arsenal continued to dominate, with Martin Odegaard putting in an outstanding performance in the middle. Brighton’s goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, was busy, making at least seven saves, some of them stunning.
Arsenal sealed the victory through Kai Havertz in the 87th minute after an excellent pass from Eddie Nketiah. This performance sent a clear message to Liverpool that Arsenal is determined to do whatever it takes to stay in the title race.
There are a run of tough games coming up for the Gunners but if they perform how they did today and take their chances they will be a match for any opponent.
What we saw initially this season was a lot of these crosses were going to no one but gradually Martinelli is getting better with accuracy and still has the pace on the ball. If it gets to the point where teams have to think about nullifying that threat it’s going to be so good for us. It’ll open up space everywhere and open up the spaces Martinelli excels at scoring in. Feel like we started to see that today with Martinelli. Good times ahead!
Don’t know why the 1st half of my comment got knocked off.
“Martinelli’s development this year is going to be interesting. The way oppositions set up against us doesn’t help Martinelli’s goal-scoring potential. Believe we have adapted tactically which is why we’ve seen Martinelli crossing a lot more (also why I backed Havertz to score over him).” Before the above comment.
World sometimes just turn around. Havertz just can’t stop scoring!!!
We wasted too many great chances to score, but we eventually managed to maximize our dominance. White got skinned by Mitoma multiple times and Brighton almost drew the game, but lady luck smiled upon us
Rice was brilliant and very dominant in midfield, whereas Odegaard was our usual workhorse. Jesus, Havertz and Saliba played very well too
Based upon the commentary claiming Gross should have scored we should have drawn? That was an awfully difficult chance that he stuck his leg out for and got mighty lucky it was that close to a goal. It was fizzed at pace into him and it’s come off the outside of his leg. What as the commentary said should a man of his quality physically do with his leg to make that go in? Interested to know. Are you just saying this because you hyped the Mitoma/White mismatch before the game and we dominated without issue but that chance involved Mitoma?
If Gross was a bit more accurate, he would’ve scored because it was a great chance
Instead of parroting the obviously nonsensical commentary statement. Explain what Gross could have done with his actual leg to redirect the ball in. Where was his technique wrong etc?
His timing was off
Lol timing on what it was fizzed at pace. Are you suggesting with his left foot outside the left post at that pace and that reaction time he should have somehow feathered an extremely subtle lace into either corner? That is Balon D’or winning ability.
His timing looked slightly off though? From what it looked to me, he put his feet out a fraction of a second earlier than the correct time. If it was delayed a bit, it would have hit the left boot more towards the center and flown straight in the corner with Raya already beaten. Just my opinion though…
Did you see his body angle after? It took everything he had just to stick the leg out. As I said before if he pushes his left foot forward at that pace and somehow makes his ankle lace and cushion it against his own legs pace and the ball at the pace then it is Balon D’or ability.
To answer the basic point you made had it just hit his leg uncontrollably a fraction of a second later then it would have hit another part of his leg and gone in another random direction not the lineal imagination that it would have flown in because it was close.
To be fair if it was later it might have deflected off someone else and gone in but there was no chance missed or timing missed. He was a full stretch with no control. Had it gone in it would have been so lucky and I would have been banging my head against the wall explaining how lucky it was.
(posted this in the wrong place but was a reply to you)
Surely Kai Havertz now proving to be a top player which most knowledge fans would know
Absolutely NG, the problem is that some of our fans BLUSTER and think they know what a player can do, before he’s even signed for the club and show no faith in MA whatsoever!! SIGH SIGH SIGH SIGH SIGH
What I would say on the Gross miss is that he lack goal technics.
He would’ve use is left foot to hit the ball.
If the ball had been more accurate and a little slower and it was on his right then maybe he could have opened his body up. As it was he had to sitck his left out and redirect that ball at that angle into the net. Insane. Watch it again.
There is no what if. What if Arsenal had scored all their chances? Before gross would score his goal we would probably have scored 10goals by then.
I agree, Arsenal should have won the game 4-1. Brighton got outplayed and wasn’t able to handle us.
We totally dominated this fixture this year, but we should not forget that our home defeat to Brighton last season effectively ended our title hope, so this win cannot be underestimated. Despite lesser points on the table there is evidence that our team has progressed well this season and there is genuine hope we can achieve something bar injuries.
Same way we would have scored many chances we were unlucky not to score.
Multiple times?😜
Gai, Yes Brighton almost scored, but not almost draw. Except we didn’t watch the same game.
BBC/Sky Sports
Arsenal 9 shots on target
Brighton 1 shot on target
The only mother luck in this game was for Brighton who didn’t concede more goals and not Arsenal.
Best Arsenal game against ball playing opposition.
Well done to Havertz who is gradually finding his rhythm. Most of the players did well.
My prediction on point👌 Read my comment under team lineup.
Saka also played exceptionally well, his runs and dribbles were a continuous source of trouble for the Brighton defence.
Great win. Brighton is a tough team
Havertz on a roll
Well done Whole Team 💪👍
Come on Utd. Do us a favor lol
COYG onwards and upwards
Hate to support Man U but in this instance I’m happy to support them.
Great win, next week is the big one. Hope all the players keep practicing their shooting
Great win against a tough team. Martinelli had a great game, pity about rarely having a player gambling on his fantastic crosses today!
Good to see Havertz put himself around a lot more, great improvement!
OT….head says to support United but heart wants Liverpool to crush them!
Same here if this first half performance is to be considered.
My head, heart and all my senses wished for a 7-0 repeat or even more. Now I wish only for Salah to score and TAA to keep a clean sheet.
HH then you are foolish. You would rather Liverpool, one of our two realistic title rivals, win handsomely than United- a team who are not rivals of ours- lose points.
Not a thinking fan obviously, are you! As you have just shown allwho read your silly [ost!
I hate them that much. The day they are relegated will be the happiest day of my life!
If I were as foolish as you, which I am NOT, I would not be advertising the fact with such daft posts as your two posts.
I add that if , as you say, United being relegated would be the “happiest day of your life” then you must have had a very empty life til now!
I am okay with it because I am very happy with my life. Better than having a full unhappy one don’t you think?
I don’t think I am a fool myself but I don’t mind you thinking that. It’s more important what I think about myself than what you think about me don’t you think? Sometimes these little lies to ourselves are important for our happiness. Such as the little lies you tell yourself that you are a thinker and intelligent. I get that and I am with you on that my friend.
Let’s say you think of me as the most intelligent person in the universe what will I gain for that? Absolutely nothing.
But were I to think of myself as fool then that will be a personal tragic loss.
Well, I must say THIS post of yours shows you to be a lot brighter than I has previously thought
Apart from me knowing, rather than thinking, I am both a thinker and intelligent, but I gain nothing from saying it, I am the first to agree.
What you say is wise, mature and profoundly true, and for ALL of us too, I suggest!
I would just add that those who have a full life find it difficult to be unhappy, but those who have little to occupy them are far more likely to be unfulfilled.
This had more plot twists than Vanilla Sky
This is so beautiful. I had to copy and paste on my notes
I’m astonished HH.
Sue they were only 1 point above us something we are more than capable of taking care of it ourselves when we meet them.
I would have wanted Man utd to get something of this game if it was at the end of the season and if we needed it.
It is my firm beleif that a premier league champion should not depend on others to drop points and I dont think this season so far we do. We are doing more than fine considering we are playing below the standard we set last season.
We are the one others should hope we drop points. If we hope to win the title by wishing other challengers to drop points doesnt that mean we are not good enough?
You are obviously very calm about the situation HH
For me, 2 points lost for Liverpool today were important and may have an impact on who wins the title.
And my wish for a clean sheet and Salah goal is because I have them in my fantasy team. Quite a harmeless wish I think at this stage of the season.
Only a fool puts heart before head, ESPECIALLY WHEN it helps Arsenal who are, PRESUMABLY, the club you support!
As a wise fan, I am NATURALLY HOPING FOR A UNITED WIN, simply to deprive one of our main rivals, Liverpool, of points.
As a self proclaimed wise man your lack of comprehension is quite funny
Nowhere did I say I’m going heart before head. Your desperation to try look smart has the opposing affect.
Wriggle as you will, your above post was foolish.
ANY THINKING Gooner would put aside their natural dislike of United -as I did, WHILE they drew at Liverpool – and would have sensibly wished ONLY for Liverpool to drop points.
During their game, both my heart and longing was for a UNITED WIN AND IF THAT WAS NOT TO BE, THEN A DRAW.
Were you wise, you would have wished with heart and soul for a United win and, second to a win, then a draw.
Of course, if your loathing of a failing long standing rival club, who are no longer a true rival, is greater than your love for the team you claim to support, THEN AND ONLY THEN would your post make sense.
Why do you insist on getting personal and condescending with everyone? You go on about being old and wise but seem immature and brash. You’re so utterly entitled that you think everyone should shut up and let you take over any conversation you wish. Sometimes it’s fine to quietly disagree, you’d be wise to remember that.
I’m surprised the admins let you get away with the way you talk to others.
Oh, and just so you know, intelligent people don’t rant about how intelligent they think they are. Instead they accept there’s always more to learn and take measured approaches to situations. Whilst I’m not saying you are one, you certainly do behave the fool you claim others to be.
Normal service resumes, no more humiliating knee sliding celebration on the touch line from Robert de Zerbi.
The Seagulls should be thanking their lucky star for the flattering score line as Arsenal should have long out of side before half time.
But is the big German quietly becoming the unsung hero at Arsenal, denied by some appalling officiating last time out not to be this time around as he was as compose as you get to put this game to bed
I don’t get why Arteta got a yellow card for waving a card, yet Mitomo didn’t? Same offence should be same penalty.
Was to take shame out of his eyes
Thank God! As us Arsenal have beaten Brighton today yo return to the winning ways ce again. And as a result of the win we’ve climbed to the top of the table. And we are awaiting to see if Man Utd will do themselves a favour at Anfield to either beat Liverpool or hold them to a draw game.
But can us Arsenal imagine Aston Villa moving to the 2nd spot in the table. This happened after they had beaten Brentford 1-2 today. But I think the Bees were stupid and hopeless to have lost the match to the Villains which happened affer they took the lead in the match. But only for them to later cave-in in the game to concede twice to the Villains in the match,
Gmv8, So you dont get WHY decisions are inconsistent then?
Try working out that ALL humans are error prone , some more than others and some more prone than themselves, but in other occasions andother circumstances. It is called being human.
Tell me if you have ever met a human who has never made a mistake.
I am 72 years old and have NEVER met one who is perfect and I WOULDNT WANT TOO EITHER..
I do hope that is not too profound for your understanding!
Err Jon have you forgotten I’m perfect?
Okay I’ll get my coat…..
Glad to see that YOU at least PAT ,DO understand my post.
I have spent my long life being a keen and, as I like to think, a shrewd observer of our shared human condition.
I think it my duty to point out to lesser life experienced folk than I, that ALL humans are imperfect and that is actually good for us.
It would be ghastly and make us freaks, IF we were perfect.
But it has never happened yet and never will, thankfully.
Some will never even understand why I say”thankfully.”
But that is to be expected, as I well know!
Back on top! But would’ve preferred a different fixture outside Anfield next. anyways it is what it is, Anfield next. COYG!!!
Next week we will win the league. Can’t effing wait!
Same here.
Perfect fixture if we want to win the league. Chance to lay a marker and if we lose it’s to the rivals away no big deal. We beat City at home and based on comments since it was entirely ignored by some (despite a hyper-focus on the poor home/away record before by the same.)
TLDR Can’t ask for titles and shy away from the crunch games. We’re in a place where we should look forward to these games.
I kinda feel it’s not the right time not shying away at all, i hope we set the tone next week though.
I disagree, as I DO think it would be a “very big deal”IF we were to lose to Liverpool. All games are worth three points for a win, but to lose to one our ONLY TWO REALISTIC TITLE RIVALS would be a very bad day and not one to blithely dismiss, as you seem to say!
Im worried about Villa too
Their next several fixtures are not as difficult as ours
Villa, Liverpool, City and Arsenal are all title contenders atm
But beating Brighton is a good sign
I’m not worried about Villa at all. i think Sheffield will upset them at home on Friday.
Wouldn’t be surprised. Brentford had them on the ropes today until Ben Mee was red carded in the 71st minute and Villa realized “hey, we might can score now”, lol. Sheffield can play very tough defense at Bramall Lane.
Villa will fade away, couple of injuries will see to that, I am pleased that Emery is doing well, but he will win a trophy, but top four will be a stretch, I may be wrong but experience tells in the end
Three big points. Another three at Anfield would really make a statement. And we can do it. Liverpool are an aging and definitely beatable team. I couldn’t watch this game but some positives for me was Martinellii shutting down some of his detractors and Smith Rowe getting a few extra minutes. He is a much better player than Harvetz. May the footballing gods protect those legs. Also I read that de Zebri was very gracious after that defeat, admitting that his team deserved nothing from this performance, Arsenal were the better team and even if Brighton had scored it wouldn’t have made much difference. He could just as easily complained about a depleted squad, chances not taken etc etc.which is what managers and fans do.
On what basis did you decide Smith Rowe is a better player than Havertz?
He may be right but as it stands Havertz is the better player. To answer your question though, it has to do with his dislike for Havertz ever since he was signed lol.
Angelo’. I’d say Harvert is more like the (1 – 2) type of player don’t get me wrong, nothing special just a simple player. Giroud was far better doing that. But Smith C’mon man! Without his injury woes; I see a comparison between him(Smith) and Jude Bellingham. If you know what I mean.
I also love ESR, no doubt. but ever since he gets those cameo apps, he’s got the intelligence to arrive into goalscoring positions then get’s the chance and then MISS. A trait unlike him before his long layoff. I hope he gets off the mark soon though. A highly tactical player!
Vamos, you can’t blame some one for not being sharp while still trying to warm up. Angelo I didn’t see Havertz play yesterday. He must have been amazing. I guess. my bias is based on what I’ve seen Smith Rowe do when fit and played correctly. I love the way he could distribute the ball, get it moving forward and then get himself in good positions to keep the play from stagnating. It’s much better than the sideways trash some of our players get trapped into. As to Havertz, I hope he has improved 150%, but at this stage I’m still only seeing a ten goal a season midfielder who’s not doing much more than any other midfielder cum striker would be doing. In other words he’s just one in a dozen. Allow me to wipe the egg off my face at the end of the season.
A great performance and a fine win. We totally dominated Brighton. But one worrying factor which Arteta must address if we are to make a real title push is that we are lacking the ruthless cutting edge to finish chances. We are dominating matches and creating chances but not finishing them. We need a clinical striker to finish those chances if we are to be serious title contenders. We have a very good defence and are the first team this season to keep a clean sheet against Brighton which is quite an achievement.
Absolutely !! We missed so many good opportunities that a good striker would have finished. Must be our next priority
The point that is sacrosanct in your post is ” if they take their chances”. The team of late has been very wasteful in of goal post in recent matches. Not taken our chances have cost us Newcastle and Villa matches. This not being clinical has lend more credence to the call for a top top striker whose business on the pitch is nothing but to bury the ball inside an opponent net.
Totally agree… And it was made even more stark in the Villa game… We lack that ruthless cutting edge at the moment.. But at the same time we are also now a very difficult team to beat
There IS a run of…