'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Before kickoff, there was a gut feeling that Arsenal might just be able to pull this off and get all three points. However, Brighton & Hove Albion went against the odds to prove otherwise.
The home team performed better in the early stages of the first half but they allowed the visitors to get better over time and soon, Bernd Leno became the busier of the two goalkeepers.
Punished by set-pieces when they played against Liverpool, Brighton scored from a corner as Adam Webster opened the scoring. Five minutes after a strong restart from the North London side, Alexandre Lacazette equalised to level the playing field. At that point, the Arsenal players probably believed in that glimmer of hope in winning at home.
David Luiz nearly helped his side take the lead but he was in an offside position and the goal was eventually ruled out following a VAR check. Chances continued to fall for Arsenal but substitute Neal Maupay made it 1-2 for Brighton, sealing the result of the match. This marks the Seagulls' first-ever away win against Arsenal in their history.
#5 Keeping clean sheets takes a miracle
It will be a miracle if Arsenal were to keep a clean sheet. The last time Leno kept a clean sheet was in the team's victory over Bournemouth in early October. Since then, he has conceded in every single match and that looks to continue in the near future. However, Leno is not the main culprit.
As the keeper who has made the most number of saves in the Premier League, it is the defence and midfield ahead of him which has constantly let him and the team down. Whenever Brighton pressed, the Arsenal players panicked and lost their shape all at once. Their failure to retain composure and concentration throughout the game is severely costing the team.
Earlier in the week, Ljungberg noted that Arsenal's weakness lies in how they defend during the transition. When Brighton came close to scoring in the 60th minute, it was once again evident that the defenders simply have no clue where their opponents are. It seems like as long as the issue is not solved, the Gunners won't secure a clean sheet.
Also check out: Premier League Table Premier League \Champions League table
#4 Pepe who?
The last time Nicolas Pepe started a Premier League game was during Arsenal's draw with Crystal Palace back in October. Since then he has made three substitute appearances in five league games including the defeat to Brighton.
Prior to the match, Ljungberg praised the Ivory Coast forward's abilities but mentioned that he would have a chat with the winger regarding his expectations. After arriving in the summer for a record fee, Pepe has been a shadow of his former self as he struggles to replicate his success at Lille.
In this home match, the Swedish interim manager brought him on in replacement of Joe Willock. Pepe did provide another attacking option for the team. He ran forward as much as he could and attempted crosses, but his accuracy and touches left much to be desired. There are probably so many others players who are far more capable than him and cost less than £72 million. He is probably a wrong buy for Arsenal as things stand.
#3 Brighton's gradual improvement thanks to Graham Potter
Graham Potter has been such a crucial figure at Brighton as the club improves with every passing week. At the start of the season, the Seagulls suffered defeats to Southampton and Manchester City. However, they slowly got themselves back up under the management of Potter and are now 13th in the Premier League standings.
Besides employing the right tactics, the 44-year-old manager has been great in getting the best out of his players. Take for instance Aaron Connolly, who is a real star to watch in the coming years. The 19-year-old was been brilliant throughout his time on the field and gave Arsenal's defenders all sorts of trouble. Besides, it was his contribution which led to Brighton's opening goal in the first half.
Potter has hit all the right notes during his time at Brighton so far. No wonder the Seagulls were in a hurry to offer their manager a contract extension until 2025!
#2 Are Arsenal out of the race for top six?
10 points behind the top four and without an improvement in sight, the big question is can Arsenal catch up with the likes of Chelsea and Leicester City? For years under Arsene Wenger, the Gunners were known for finishing in the top four. During the final years of Wenger's regime, Arsenal resorted to challenging for the top six instead.
Now, it appears that the decline could continue and they might miss out on European action next season.
Almost every big team is improving and winning except Arsenal. Tottenham Hotspur have won two out of the three Premier League games played since Jose Mourinho took over while Chelsea have ended their two-match losing streak by recording a win over Aston Villa. Where are the Gunners?
They are far behind the pack with just four wins in the whole season thus far. Nothing has changed since Unai Emery's sacking and it's safe to say given the current scenario, it will be hard for Arsenal to finish in the top six.
#1 Finally, 3 points for Brighton at the Emirates Stadium
For the first time in their history, Brighton managed to beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The two sides have faced each other on 20 occasions and it is the first time Potter's side won away from home.
Each time Arsenal looked strong, the Seagulls dealt a blow to their opponents by coming back even stronger and making their attempts count. This victory for Potter and his team should be a celebrated occasion. They worked hard against Liverpool but failed to get their desired result. Now, they executed the gameplan flawlessly and deserved all three points.
Additionally, this victory will give Brighton some confidence ahead of tougher tests against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace. They are now just a point behind Arsenal and could go further up the table if they replicate their recent performances.
