Arsenal 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion: 3 Key observations from the game | Premier League 2019-20

#2 Arsenal's defensive set-up faltered again

Arsenal FC v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League

Arsenal just do not seem to have a defensive shape when they do not have the ball. Brighton were reaching the final third by stringing four passes together, which is really worrying.

Without the ball, their midfield just seems non-existent and none of their attacking players even try to help out the defenders. One cross into the Arsenal box can cause trouble for the defence.

Both goals highlighted those deficiencies perfectly as the Gunners failed to deal with a simple corner in the first half. For the second goal, Aaron Mooy just delivered a simple cross from the left-hand side and Neal Maupay was unchallenged when he connected with his header.

Arsenal's players clearly lacked ideas without the ball and no matter how good they are going forward, if they do not tight up at the back, these inconsistent performances will continue. Telling his players to maintain a certain shape is Freddie Ljungberg's job and he needs to do it better.