After both teams achieving first place in their Champions League and Europa League group respectively, Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton will visit Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium Sunday afternoon. Here are the three key points that can decide the game.
- How effectively the two teams can press each other?
Arsenal’s title hopes were ended by losing against Brighton last season in the same stadium, after De Zerbi’s team scored three goals in the second half. A key theme for what teams against Brighton are looking, especially if they cannot afford to sit back thanks to the added pressure on them, is to find the right triggers in pressing.
De Zerbi is known to follow his approach, as in many interviews, the Italian reportedly has the mentality of being a step ahead of everyone, and knows what he wants to play, while Arteta tends to be more pragmatic.
Without William Saliba and with Jorginho in midfield, Arsenal were only able to execute Mikel Arteta’s gameplan during the first 45 minutes. Yet, at the Amex earlier that season, they were still in shape and managed to win 4-2.
However, Arsenal brought in David Raya, who is capable of kicking over the ball over Brighton’s press. With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz being fit, Arsenal will now also have players able to create second ball opportunities, where their teammates can gather the ball and run at the team with more space in behind.
- Brighton need to be clinical
In a short span this season, Brighton have scored 33 goals with having an xG of 27.5, however, under De Zerbi’s ruling, they have been notorious for creating the chances and not finishing them.
As a result, now they need to be especially clinical, as Arteta’s team have focused on stabilising their defence. Arsenal have the number one defensive in the league in terms of xGA. This includes David Raya having two goals errors leading to big chances, and still, even with these mistakes, they lead the league.
- Arsenal’s revamped attack
Without any injuries up front, Arsenal’s attack have started to return to their form. With Kai Havertz finding more confidence as he is now paired up with a healthy Gabriel Jesus, and Jesus giving more passing options to Bukayo Saka on the wing, the Gunners have found success in front of goal.
On the other hand, as it was seen in the game against Aston Villa, they lacked the necessary composure to finish their chances.
Bukayo Saka, thanks to his outstanding performances, is now getting double teamed constantly. Saka, individually speaking, has to start dealing with constant pressure on him – something he was able to deal with against Wolves thanks -, but with Odegaard playing in a deeper role, he is now lacking one of his favourite partners on the pitch, and the distance between the passes Saka receives also rose.
As Arsenal’s attackers all have a more unique skill and differ from each other, if an injury happens, the structure could be adapted, leading to a lesser output. Gabriel Martinelli was already out sick against PSV midweek, which is not an optimistic sign even though it should be down to precaustion.
