After successfully defeating a weakened Brighton with controlled and fair play, there was a familiar feeling of Arsenal operating in a discreet manner.
Defeat against Brighton here in May had effectively ended Arsenal’s hopes of winning the league last season. This time around second‑half goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz lifted Mikel Arteta’s team back to the top of the table.
Later, Arteta discussed topics such as maturity and tactical awareness. Roberto De Zerbi expressed even more enthusiasm, stating, “Arsenal is the strongest team we’ve faced this season. We’re not accustomed to struggling like this. We’re used to dominating the game.”
The main focus is on control. This year, there has been less discussion about Arsenal’s progress compared to last season, where there were intense emotional moments, talks of a potential collapse, and criticism for being “too emotional” in crucial moments (despite facing challenges like losing their top defender and being overtaken by a strong rival team). The emphasis now is on maintaining composure. Even the celebrations at the end of a recent game were relatively subdued, with Martin Ødegaard only giving a polite fist pump towards the home crowd.
The story of sports is always focused on the end result. This type of win can either show that a team is prepared to win championships or that they are still struggling to find their rhythm. Choose which perspective you prefer and trace back from the final outcome.
At present, Arteta and his team are likely pleased with the standard, efficient vibe of their 12th league win this season. This matchup is somewhat unique, as Arteta has only been present for a third of all Arsenal-Brighton games. Despite this, Brighton has managed to establish a slight advantage over Arsenal, although their recent Europa League match against Marseille may have taken a toll on their performance.
After the first half, the pivotal moment occurred when Arsenal returned to the field with a predictable boost of energy, having controlled the field and ball possession without displaying any real aggression. Havertz and Ødegaard moved up the field, creating overlaps and potential scoring opportunities. However, the first goal was still scored through a risky passing sequence by Brighton in their own penalty area.
Jack Hinshelwood successfully regained possession of the ball from Bukayo Saka on the far right side of the field. The Brighton defenders then executed a complex series of passes in a zigzag pattern, most likely in an attempt to lure in Arsenal and avoid being pressed back. However, due to the quick and aggressive pressure from Arsenal, Brighton ultimately gave up a corner unnecessarily.
Saka obtained possession of the ball and sent it forcefully towards the goal, grazing the top of Jan Paul van Hecke’s head. Without any defenders around, Jesus bent down to head the ball into the net. After that, Arsenal could relax a bit and defend deeper. Declan Rice controlled the midfield angles. Ødegaard performed well and delivered an impressive pass in the first half, a mesmerizing, back-spinning, curved move that found its way into a narrow opening to set up Saka for a scoring opportunity. However, Gabriel Martinelli unfortunately missed the cut-back over the bar.
At the start of the game, the Emirates Stadium was cold and uninviting on a Sunday. Arsenal had the same lineup as their previous loss at Villa Park. De Zerbi had no choice but to keep James Milner at left-back. Within 50 seconds, Saka and Milner were already in a heated battle on the field, but Milner deserves credit for fighting until the end, even though his defense lacked skill, he continuously worked to prevent any threats like a determined tugboat captain in a storm.
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In the first half, Arsenal possessed the ball but struggled to make meaningful attacks, with Rice moving around the midfield like a large sailing ship. The most significant event was when Arteta, who had just been cleared of any wrongdoing by VAR, received a yellow card for getting angry on the sidelines right before half-time.
Kaoru Mitoma had retracted Saka. Arteta reacted by jumping around strangely with both arms raised, resembling a person on a deserted island spotting a sail just as it disappears over the horizon. It appeared unnecessary and showy. The foul had already been called. There was no rational explanation for doing a full touchline dance.
Brighton had opportunities to score, with Pascal Gross missing a chance to tie the game with 10 minutes left by shooting wide from four yards out. Shortly after, Havertz sealed the victory with a skillful goal following a quick attack down the left side.
Havertz had been relying on sympathy and receiving penalties out of pity during the fall season. He received Arsenal’s player of the month award before the game, but posed in an uncomfortable manner with the trophy (it should be noted that Havertz is known for his awkwardness in most situations, even when he wins the Champions League). This goal marks his fourth in the last four weeks, and Arsenal’s seventh win in nine games since their loss to Newcastle.
Source: theguardian.com
