Brighton & Hove Albion vs Arsenal
Date: 29/12/2020
K/O: 18:00
Venue: Amex Stadium
Referee: Craig Pawson
TV: BT Sport
A struggling Brighton side host Arsenal on Tuesday evening in yet another of the Christmas fixtures, yet this could be one with potentially massive implications. Arsenal could consolidate a resurgence and put Brighton firmly into the relegation zone, or Brighton might pick themselves up, push away from the strugglers, and show the Gunners’ win over Chelsea to be nothing more than a one-match-wonder.
The element of rest also comes into the equation: Arsenal will be fortunate enough to have an extra day between their two post-Christmas fixtures, which might play perfectly into their hands – or make them overconfident. It is certainly too early to say that the Gunners are back on track, or that Brighton are in for a 2021 relegation battle, but this game may just draw the line.
A Glimmer of Hope
Mikel Arteta said that their fixture with Chelsea was the perfect storm to make right on their recent poor form: “Boxing day, London derby, playing at home – it doesn’t get better than that.” And he was right. The much-changed and youthful Arsenal side came out with an energy and intensity that has been missing from the team in recent fixtures. Emile Smith-Rowe, in what was only his second-ever Premier League involvement, was flanked by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli and the energetic trio made the regular stars, Aubameyang and Willian, look, pedestrian.
Such was the impact of these three, that they lifted the level of other consistent players. Alexandre Lacazette came alive, leading the line and playing smart combinations with the youngsters. Wingbacks Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerín also upped their game, recreating the performances last season in the previous season. This game was a glimmer of hope for Arsenal fans – a demonstration that, somewhere, they still had what it takes to compete at the highest level of the Premier League.
But there is still work to be done. Arsenal’s performance was still full of vulnerabilities and, were it not for a good save from Bernd Leno, they might have experienced a late collapse. Arsenal’s defence is still suspect to a degree, and a lethargic Chelsea performance was likely what saw them unexploited. Brighton’s expressive, possession-based play is not efficient at scoring goals – but give them enough chances and they will find the back of the net.
Arteta still maintains that the recent poor form is a result of bad luck and not sloppy play. While this could explain one goal or a few missed chances, it is not luck that sees them down in fifteenth with more losses than wins and draws combined. They have taken the first step towards making good on a dire start, but there is much more work to be done.
A Team in Limbo
There are times, watching Brighton, that you might think you’re seeing a top-six side in action. Their football is fluid and mature, a possession game branded and taught to them by manager Graham Potter. They combine well and make use of their strengths, and have made as many passes as Everton, Manchester United, and Southampton – all teams that are fighting to be in the top four.
Yet despite how it looks, their football has landed Brighton near the bottom of the table. Sixteenth with thirteen points, the Seagulls may find themselves at risk of slipping into an unwanted relegation battle as Fulham start to pick up pace and edge towards them in the table. The Cottagers have won more points than Brighton in their last four games (though the difference is only one) and Brighton could be under pressure if they let more points slip. With only one win in their last thirteen games, Brighton are in desperate need of three points to push themselves away from Fulham and fellow strugglers Burnley.
Yet this is an ample opportunity. Brighton won both of their games against Arsenal last year, and with an identical score (2-1) too. Arsenal, too, maybe overconfident following a rare win against Chelsea, and could easily against the Seagulls who may be quickly becoming their bogey-team – if Potter is not already their bogey-manager. Potter has former experience beating Arsenal with his Östersunds team in the Europa League and clearly knows the formula to undo the Gunners. Can he put it into place again on Tuesday and take the three points his side so desperately need?
Team News
Both teams are expected to rotate heavily with only two days at most between their two fixtures. Expect to see very different teams to those seen over the weekend. Premier League managers will also not be giving press conferences in the interim period between the two, so squads and teams listed here may not be fully accurate.
Tariq Lamptey did not feature for Brighton in their game against West Ham and is unlikely to feature against Arsenal either owing to the lack of time between the two games. His recovery and return is expected for the next game. Adam Lallana came off at half time in London, but there was no indication whether or not this was to rest him or due to an injury concern. He could feature against the Gunners. Pascal Gross is likely to play after missing the three previous games, but Danny Welbeck is expected to drop out for Aaron Connolly.
Willian and David Luiz were unavailable for the Chelsea fixture, so they could return for the game in Brighton. Thomas Partey and Gabriel are out for a longer period of time and will not play. Arsenal’s young, energetic players are likely to be replaced by their more experienced counterparts – although Arteta will surely miss their enthusiasm. Expect Aubameyang, Pepe, Nketiah, and Ceballos to all play.
Predicted Starting XIs
Brighton (3-4-3): Sanchez; White, Dunk, Veltman; Burn, Alzate, Gross, Mac Allister; Jahanbaksh, Connolly, Maupay
Arsenal (3-4-3): Leno; Mustafi, Luiz, Tierney; Kolasinac, Ceballos, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles; Willian, Aubameyang, Pepe
Predicted Score: Brighton 2-1 Arsenal
My “safe” bet is that Brighton will beat Arsenal in the same manner they have done twice in the past twelve months. Arsenal’s performance against Chelsea was great, but it came off the back of the young players. The likely reintroduction of the older heads will mean the loss of that and a return to what could be a new normal.
