Morning all.
Annoying as they are, there’s nothing quite like the sound of seagulls in the morning. Better than any alarm clock that’s for sure. I’ve still not forgiven the one who nicked my ice cream out of my hand a number of years ago though!
Anyway, we go again. Another trip to the south coast for Mikel Arteta, Sussex to be precise and I’m pretty sure it’s going to be another tough 95 minutes for Arsenal because Brighton are a good side. Their manager Fabian Hurzeler has been moaning ahead of tonight’s game, calling for stricter rules around set-pieces, criticising Arsenal for time-wasting in the process. Seems everyone has it in for Arsenal these days.
Who cares, all our players need to do is focus on themselves, play hard, fast and disciplined and get three more points. However, I do agree that fans deserve to see more football and less waiting for a game to restart. But that applies to all clubs and not just Arsenal. I’ve not read anyone moaning about Sunderland who take just a couple of seconds less than Arsenal on their corners. On average that is.
The last time Brighton lost a home game was the 8th February when Crystal Palace beat them 1-0. Mind you, they’ve only played one home game since then which ended with a 2-1 defeat of Nottingham Forest. In between, they’ve lost two and won one on the road, the win coming at Brentford.
Squad news from Mikel Arteta:
Kai Havertz: “So he’s done a part of the session, we will have to wait and see whether he’s available and in which condition. The rest I don’t think there will be anybody else.”
Martin Odegaard: “We will see.”
Ben White: “Ben is not available.”
Max Dowman: “Max is available.”
Declan Rice: “I hope so. He was much better today. Obviously, we haven’t really trained because we have only two days to prepare the game. So, hopefully, it’s going to be better tomorrow.”
I don’t think Rice is worth risking regardless of if he’s feeling better. I know he’s a key player in the team but we need him for the next three months, not just tonight. Christian Norgaard is more than capable of marshalling our midfield and protecting our defence as and when needed.
Striker Tzimas is ruled out through injury so it’s likely Welbeck will be Brighton’s frontman tonight and it was he who scored Brighton’s winner in their last game. I’m pretty sure we’ll see a few long balls lumped to him, just as I suspect we’ll see a very solid defensive setup from the home team too. Dunk is the one to watch on corners and other set-pieces.
Arsenal’s Adrian Clarke:
Hurzeler’s side are energetic, aggressive, and likely to press us hard. Brighton have produced the highest number of pressed sequences in this season’s Premier League, and rank second for the highest number of turnovers.
Brighton had moved away from their possession-based style, but in their last eight successive matches in all competitions, our next opponents have had the majority share of possession. Another recent tactical change is the use of Jack Hinshelwood as a No.10, and the 20-year-old breaks into the box to get on the end of crosses, while out of possession he is also incredibly diligent.
The most in-form Seagulls are Welbeck and Diego Gomez, who have both scored in the last two matches. The latter is especially effective when driving inside from the right, and he has a thunderbolt strike in his armoury. Netting 10 goals in all competitions, the Paraguayan needs to be closed down.
One area where Brighton are particularly strong is defending corners and wide free-kicks. They have only conceded five times from set pieces in 2025/26, which is the joint-best record in the division. Finding clear space inside the box is not easy against Hurzeler’s well-drilled team.
As with all our league games now, we’ve faced the opposition once before, although with Brighton, we’ve played them twice. The league game at The Emirates ended 2-1 thanks to a cracker from Odegaard and an own goal. 15 shots in the first half alone from Arsenal but when Brighton pulled one back just after the hour, it made for a nervy finish and but for David Raya, we’d have dropped two points. Our League Cup fixture finished 2-0 but it wasn’t as easy as the scoreline might suggest as Brighton had a number of opportunities to score.
Talking of opportunities, Arsenal need to improve in taking their own but then you and I have been saying that for yonks. If we score more, the pressure on the defence reduces. Keeping possession does the same but to do that, players need to get back to doing what they are good at – being cool, calm and focused instead of panicking and making errors. Opponents sense it, it gives them hope and then before we know it, we’re under the cosh.
Catch up in the comments.
In the last few games, Arsenal players seem so tired, don’t track back or press in the last 10 minutes.. They allow the opposition too much room and that is why everything becomes nervy.
We need to keep pressing till the final whistle
Good preview rico, match morning all. I think we need Rice to start as I would put in Norgaard for Zubi who hasnt been on it the last couple of games and maybe come on after 70. And the double corner taking of Rice and Saka may be needed. For sure we will get penalised for holding at corners since the Rice grappling being highlighted, so maybe a rethink and keep away from any holding.
Thanks Andrew, good point. The officials might scrutinise us tonight after all the public moaning and groaning. Probably need to speed up our throwins too because they always take ages to be taken.
Good morning Rico, Norgaard to start for me, Rice either on the bench or at home with his feet up. Zubimendi is a lot more economical, energy wise, than Rice and would be up for the game with a chance of scoring from out side the box. Saka and Martinelli can take the corners, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see some variations in our routines.
A big night league-wise, I shall be keeping half an eye on the City/Forest game.
Slot’s lot lost last night. No set-piece goals for them, quite unusual that. 😉
We must not give the ref any decisions to make, particularly in the grab and grapple phases.
Morning Cicero.
Wolves win last nice was excellent, as Potter said, perhaps it put our draw into perspective. I’ve often suggested that these media idiots expect us to win every game easily but it’s disrespectful to other clubs.
Don’t know about your ice cream , in Norfolk especially Yarmouth it’s your chips on the market that they are after.
Every game is a final and this is no different we have a job to do as do Forest . It’s one of those nights where you will have an eye on two games at the same time.
Afternoon all,
Another big game,aren’t they all. Brighton often seem to play well against us so it won’t be easy.
I’d like to see Norgaard for sure,he’s a really good player,if we don’t use him he will be rusty when we really need him.
Just seen the goals from the Wolves game,I take back what I said earlier,Wolves got lucky really especially with the deflected winning goal.
I don’t care if we get some luck tonight,most of the media will go crazy.
A clean sheet would be good.
COYG.
They’ll steal anything Potter, this one took my flake as well as the ice cream. lol
Agreed, every league game is a final but it would be good to see the team bring back some calm.
I find it odd that Arteta spoke a lot about needing a big squad pre summer transfer window and now he’s got it, he doesn’t use all of them enough. Norgaard especially, Meanwhile Rice and Zubimendi are playing far too many minutes imo.
I think it may be time to give up my season ticket as another Saturday. 3 0’clock kick off bites the dust . Arsenal v Bournemouth is now moved to a 12.30 kick off which means leaving Norfolk at about 7.30 am because you can’t rely on the M11 not getting blocked .
It just makes being a match going supporter harder and harder.
Don’t blame you, 3pm kick offs will soon be televised I’m sure.
Raya, Timber, Moquera, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Eze, Martinelli, Gyokeres
Arsenal: Raya Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Martinelli, Gyokeres.
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Jesus, Norgaard, Trossard, Madueke, Havertz, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman
No Saliba or Odegaard on the bench. Dowman is there though.
Oops..😬
Beat yer to it Rico. 😁
Why Arsenal should ignore style debate
Sky Sports’ Nick Wright at the Amex Stadium:
“Every Arsenal game feels like a referendum on their playing style. Or maybe even a referendum on the state of the Premier League as a whole. This will likely be another.
“But all that really matters for Mikel Arteta’s side, as they prepare for the 30th Premier League fixture of what already feels like an epic season, is to keep winning. A first title triumph in 22 years would render the external noise irrelevant.
“The style debate will rumble on but why not continue to maximise an area in which they have a clear edge on their rivals? Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea was a reminder that their corners can be borderline impossible to defend against.
“Arsenal are pretty handy from open play too. Results haven’t been perfect on the road lately but it’s worth noting they’ve scored 14 goals in their last six Premier League away games. And only three of them have come from corners. All routes to goal will be needed tonight.”
You did Cicero although I did get the subs in. 😜
Ankle injury for Saliba..
Funny how Mosquera gets booked but the player who fouled Martinelli didn’t. Wasn’t much difference between the two.
1 nil up and then drop back until they eventually get even . Where have we seen that before
Too many to mention
We’ve resorted to hoof it up front
Where has Eze gone in the second half?
He went off with Viktor 😜
Well that was one heck of a slog. Brighton were so strong.
City draw 👏👏
One goal, clean sheet, three points, just another day at the office. 🔔
It was hard to watch, but it feels so much better. Arsenal won and City dropped points.
Clung on by our fingertips
Arsenal are playing a sad game of football.
They can’t go to Dubai this year.
Take the opportunity to rest and watch videos from that season before Christmas.
Glad I don’t work in that office lol
At this stage of the season, I’ll take any kind of win. Especially away from home against Brighton..
Super result. a 1-0 win. Cicero with his customary comment (I luv it).
Well done for post Rico.
City drawing gives us breathing space…..even though they have a game less. There’s no guarantee they will win it.
The only snag today was Saka scoring. I wanted Gyokeres to score. Badly
We got less corners and goal was from open play. It wasnt beautiful to the eye but who cares. We won and Cicero got to write what he did.
Looking forward to his comment when we win a cup, or two, or three, maybe even four.
Off to sleep now.
night night smileys
Eze may as well have gone off with Viktor, for he was all but invisible in the second half, but he was still on the pitch at the final whistle.
Gabriel MotM.
Hincapie had another good game too.
some very nice results last night.
We may be pushing the line, however we are crossing it or cheating or breaking any Fairplay rules.
Is everybody happy? 😃
Yes Kev. Very happy because its going according to the narrative. a 1-0 win. We got 20 more games to go and fingers crossed we win them by just 1-0.
My team for the game at Mansfield…….Kahn; Neville,Ramos, Pepe, Pearce; Davids, Keane, Jones; Duncan Ferguson, Costa, Suarez. Might as well go with that team seeing that everyone is saying we are a dirty team which employs dark arts while playing ugly football. Then the same team will play against Everton, WHU and City 😅😅😅
From what happened in the last two matches, Playing with Eze is Overworking Both Rice and Zubimendi because Eze is contributing nothing when it comes to marking and keeping Possession. I couldnt believe arteta substituted Gyokeres instead of Eze. Why doesnt he allow Havertz and Gyokeres to play together. They were lethal when they did. Havertz has a good understanding with Gyokeres and both are imposing in size. Havertz can play that ‘10’ role Eze doesn’t press enough and drifts through a game . You dont have that luxury in the premiership these days. Zubermendi played so many minutes , should use Norgaard more and rest Zubermendi a bit . Rice is knackered and although he gave all he was again running on empty at the end. He badly needs a rest. Fingers crossed we see a completely different team against Mansfield. Even the subs should be players who havent featured for the first team. I am not disrespecting Mansfield but I have complete trust in other players as well.
At the end of the day the pundits plus coaches and supporters of other teams should look at themselves in the mirror to realize that it wasnt Arteta who created this team and the present mentality……IT WAS THEM who created this Arsenal. With their comments, with their condescending words and with their criticism.
Are we monsters?? They created us.
For those who have facebook take a look at this table. Can you send it to those who cant access it Rico please?
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1472609144875891&set=a.207151234755028
When Tony Adams went away with England in 1989, he was still buzzing about Arsenal nicking the title off Liverpool.
Team dinner.
Drinks going round.
The Liverpool boys are there and he starts giving it to them about Arsenal taking the title at Anfield.
He keeps going until it stops being a joke and turns into him being loud, proud, and a bit too drunk for international duty.
After a few more drinks and a few more not so subtle digs at the Liverpool lot he decides it’s time for sleep.
He is woken up by the hotel maid standing at the bottom of his bed with his head “absolutely banging.”
Hand over her nose, pointing at Adam’s and repeatedly shouting.
“Pee pee, pee pee.”
He helps her strip the bed and hands over his clothes to be washed, hoping none of the lads will find out about his “nighttime accident.”
He gets himself sorted and goes down to breakfast trying to look normal.
And the Liverpool lads are waiting.
They stand up and start pointing at him.
“Pee, pee, pee, pee.”
Adam’s wasn’t in the mood to sit there and take the joke.
“At least I didn’t s*** the bed like you did at Anfield.”
The best headline this morning, ESPN writer James Olley, “Arsenal don’t need to make friends to win the Premier League title.”
Devil at 7:50 am. You are 100% right. Remember the days when everyone were saying Arsenal players are soft and naive? Well it’s a different narrative now.
yep Obi, the narrative is different now. We are no longer soft. We are no longer laughed at. As Kev pointed out, we will always prefer this attitude than being laughed at. Do we care?? NO.
Fingers crossed their narrative will be the same day after day for the next 5 or more seasons. Imagine their reaction if Arteta breaks SAF’s trophy haul and AW’s time in charge at Arsenal.
And we’ll be having the time of our lives.
Fickle lot these pundits…
Morning to you both, new post up.
IT WAS THEM who created this Arsenal. With their comments, with their condescending words and with their criticism.
Are we monsters?? They created us.
It’s always been there but it really took up steam in the Ferguson / Wenger years. |Fergie had the press in his pocket and propagated the the theory that the only way to stop us was to kick and be physical . He had his golf chums on the M6 and M62 Allardyce , McLaren ,Hughes , Reid , Keane and it became the narrative in both the written and sound media .
I once read an article that managers of northern clubs were invited to play a round with Ferguson the week before their teams played us .
True or not ? I don’t know but I would not be surprised.