6 talking points as Kai Havertz keeps up hot form after Arsenal end Brighton run
Arsenal got back to winning ways in the Premier League as they overcame Brighton in a frustrating affair.
Mikel Arteta's side dominated large swaths of the game but failed to find a route through Brighton during the first-half. It only took eight minutes after the break for Arsenal to take the lead through Gabriel Jesus' close-range header.
Pascal Gross should have snatched a draw for Brighton in the closing stages but somehow shot wide from Kaoru Mitoma's low cross. Arsenal breathed a sigh of relief late on as Kai Havertz netted to secure the victory and top spot in the Premier League, albeit potentially temporarily.
Here are all of the talking points from the Emirates Stadium:
Arsenal dominate opening stages
While Arsenal did not manage to find a way through Brighton early on, they did everything but score. Arteta's side dominated the opening stages of the game at the Emirates as shots rained in on Brighton stopper Bart Verbruggen.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
The Gunners had five shots in the opening 20 minutes of the tussle - Bukayo Saka and Jesus notching two each and captain Martin Odegaard having the other. None of the efforts really drew the Brighton goalkeeper into any strenuous work however.
The best chance of the opening period came from Martin Odegaard's clever cut-back to Martinelli but he somehow blazed his effort over. Havertz and Martinelli had further chances before the break, Despite not scoring, Arteta will certainly have been encouraged by his side's start.
Arsenal were left frustrated after the first-half vs Brighton (Getty Images)Who was Arsenal's man-of-the-match in their win vs Brighton? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Brighton's injury worries grow
Much like a number of Premier League clubs this term, Brighton have been struck by an injury crisis. Ahead of their trip to the Emirates, the Seagulls already had seven players restricted to the sidelines.
Of their stars not available, Ansu Fati, Pervis Estupinan, Julio Enciso and Solly March are arguably among the most pivotal. Another of their trusted custodians was struck down with a problem against Arsenal - Joel Veltman.
In attempting to chase down Martinelli, the Dutch right-back appeared to pull up with a knee problem. He attempted to carry on but eventually had to be taken off - leaving boss Roberto De Zerbi with even more to think about.
Jesus finally hits the front
The second-half of the clash resumed practically where the first had left off: Arsenal creating plenty of chances but unable to find the net. That was until they got a helping hand from Brighton.
Miscommunication from Jan Paul van Hecke and Verbruggen as they attemped to defend a corner saw the ball drop to Jesus at the far post. It left him with the simple task of nodding into the unguarded net for his seventh goal of the season.
The strike was not one manufactured with precision and beauty but it was certainly valuable and lifted the growing frustration at the Emirates.
Gabriel Jesus celebrates giving Arsenal the lead vs Brighton (Getty Images)Corners prove vital for Gunners
For all of their talent on the pitch, it was the Gunners' set pieces that really proved vital against Brighton, specifically their corners. The winning goal came from a corner as Brighton struggled to deal with a ball into the box before Jesus headed home.
Everton chiefs face transfer backlash from fans after deadline day disaster
Arteta's side could well have profited even more. Another corner was only just cleared off the line by Lewis Dunk, while Verbruggen had to be alert to punch away even more dangerous efforts from Martinelli.
Havertz continues hot form
Kai Havertz's slow start to life in North London is now firmly in the past after keeping up his goalscoring form. The German midfielder worked extraordinarily hard against Brighton in an energy-sapping display.
He got his reward late on as he raced beyond the Brighton defence and lifted a brilliant effort into the net. It was his third goal in his last five Premier League outings and fifth overall for the Gunners since his arrival from Chelsea.
Havertz came off to a wonderful reception, once again underlining his fantastic turnaround in North London.
Kai Havertz celebrates his goal vs Brighton (Getty Images)Arsenal end Brighton run
While Jesus and Havertz take the acclaim, the defence deserves special credit for their role in Sunday's victory. After all, the Seagulls had scored in every single Premier League game this season.
That is a run that stretches all the way back to February. Throughout the game, Arsenal managed to limit their visitors to just one shot on target - a remarkable statistic given their usually prolific form in front of goal.
Injuries to their forwards will certainly have hampered their attacking potential but Arsenal deserve huge credit for stopping a side that no other team has managed to in almost a year.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
