Arsenal 1 Brighton 2
Inevitably this fine win by the Seagulls will be seen in the context of Arsenal’s worst run since 1977. Yet the win was thoroughly deserved: Brighton were the more passionate and adventurous, better in possession and more accurate in their passing and the stats confirm had more possession and shots on target.
The Arsenal goal that would have made it 2-1 was rightly overruled by VAR and Neil Maupay’s late post header meant all 3 points were going to the South Coast.
Arsenal have a porous defence but it was in midfield they were out-gunned. Davy Propper and Aaron Moy worked their socks off and wideman Alzate was always available.
It was a tentative start by both teams but the away side were soon imposing themselves and when Adam Webster struck home in the box it was no surprise.
The Gunners had a purple patch after half time culminating in Alexandre Lacazette’s equaliser from an Ozil cross, just about his only contribution to the match.
But after the VAR decision it was Brighton who asserted themselves once more to get the winner.
Whomever Arsenal appoints has a massive job on his hands.
The team lacks spirit and confidence and on the management side there are far too many Heads of Department and no one with the necessary experience in overall control.
As for Brighton the decision to appoint Graham Potter is now thoroughly vindicated and he deserves the recent extension to his contract.
I can’t see Freddy Ljunberg’s interim contract being similarly extended and with Arsenal unlikely to qualify for Europe, a squad needing overhaul – and too many chiefs and not enough Indians – it may not be such an attractive proposition to the fans’ favourite Miguel Arteta.
