Arsenal 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
It turns out that a change of managers doesn’t solve any of Arsenal’s problems as they have suffered yet another Premier League defeat in the hands of Brighton.
Fans over at the Emirates Stadium were in dire need of something to cheer on as they’ve suffered one setback after another over these past few weeks.
Arsenal churned out a subpar performance against Brighton, with no thanks to their porous defence. While they had to deal with some bad luck of their own, the home team let their frustration get the best of them once more.
Adam Webster and Neal Maupay provided the goals for the Seagulls who simply outhustled and outpaced the Gunners for the most part of this match.
The Gunners were left without a point again while the Seagulls improved to the 13th spot at the Premier League table with 18 points.
With this loss, the Gunners have now failed to win in any of their last nine games across all competitions. This is their worst winless run since 1977.
SBOBET is here to provide you the best Premier League 2019 highlights of this fixture.
Highlights of the game
It is a bit surprising when Arsenal were heavily favoured in this match based on our Premier League 2019 odds, especially when they were outplayed by the Seagulls for the most part.
Freddie Ljungberg, of course, is looking for his first win as an Arsenal manager and he was given a decent reception by the crowd before the game. However, the mood suddenly shifted for the worse as the game wore on.
For the first 20 minutes, Brighton were tentative but they were constantly maneuvering to find seams on Arsenal’s worrisome backline. The combo of Lewis Dunk, Aaron Connolly, Davy Propper, and Neal Maupay had their share of chances. Even if they missed, slowly but surely, the Seagulls were wearing down the Gunners.
Adam Webster would finally draw first blood for Brighton, smashing home a short-range strike as Arsenal failed to clear a set-piece.
Joe Willock would have his chance in drawing level at the 41st minute through a nice volley by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but Matthew Ryan’s heel was in the way for a great save.
The Gunners had their short-lived dominance in the first few minutes of the second half as super-sub Nicolas Pepe provided multiple attacking opportunities for Arsenal. His efforts were followed up by a wonderful corner by Mesut Ozil that led to a goal by Alexander Lacazzette.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would try his luck in a couple of attempts in the 56th minute, but the crosses provided by his teammates were either overcooked or curved in the wrong direction.
David Luiz would net a goal for Arsenal in the 63rd minute after a free-kick by Mesut Ozil. But it was waved off by the referees as the defender was offside according to the VAR. That would’ve given the home team a huge boost of momentum, and the lead too.
Mesut Ozil attempted to make amends by letting out a strong strike in the 70th minute through an Alexander Lacazette cross, but his shot went too far from the right.
Brighton showed their superb fitness levels through their aggressive forays on both ends. All their hustle paid off in the 80th minute when Aaron Mooy floated a lovely pass for a Neal Maupay header that found the back of the net.
With Arsenal trailing with 10 minutes remaining, most fans were left disappointed and it was reflected by the empty seats all over the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners’ performance were definitely unacceptable in their eyes.
Key statistics
The Seagulls had more total shots (20), shots on target (9), and passes made (412).
Arsenal, meanwhile, had more yellow cards (3) and a lot of offsides (7). The offside call that cost them ultimately was the one called against David Luiz at the 63rd minute.
Brighton manager Graham Potter made his first return to Arsenal since February 2018 when Ostertunds defeated the Gunners in the Europa League.
This marks as the first win ever for Brighton at the Emirates Stadium. On the flip side, Arsenal suffered their worst winless run since 1977 under Terry Neill.
Brighton have surprisingly gotten the better of Arsenal in their most recent encounters. They’ve scored a couple of 1-1 draws in their last two fixtures last season along with a 2-1 victory 21 months prior to last night.
What’s next?
Arsenal will fly over at the London Stadium to play against West Ham then they will face Standard Liege in their last group stage match in the Europa League.
Brighton, on the other hand, will host the Wolves and they will fly over to Selhurst Park to visit the improving Crystal Palace on December 21st.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
