Brighton fought back to earn a point against title contenders Arsenal. Despite the Seagulls winless run continuing the last two games have been viewed as two positive points, it’s given Albion fans more confidence as Brighton have shown more resilience in their performances.
In the first half Brighton weren’t quite up to scratch not providing that much creativity and looking like the defense could be taken advantage of within periods. Arsenal’s first goal showed this, a player caught out of position and there were no answers, it felt like a very easy goal to concede. There was one big chance for the Seagulls where Adringa had a huge chance which he miscued when off balance, in an area where he should be hitting the target in those circumstances. But no real other notable incidents.
Credit to Huzeler at half time for changing the shape and demanding more intensity as there were definite differences seen with the second period. Georginio’s physicality really helped enable the Seagulls to push on and challenge Arsenal’s lead, leading the line by pressuring the defense, holding the ball up and looking for a positive option, helping Brighton progress. Albion committed more bodies forward enabling the whole formation to shift up and put more pressure on the Gunners. This pressure earned Brighton a penalty to equalise but weren’t done then, showing their commitment to try and win the game, notably through Minteh using his brute pace to go on a charging run and cross it across the face of goal so nearly gaining all 3 points for the Albion.
Veltman returning into the side always gives Albion more assurance and stability in defense and although Lampety has showcased his ability in recent weeks it felt like it was the right call to bring him back in-the more defensively dependable and reliable player against a side like Arsenal. Not enough credit is given for his ability to win fouls and break up the game as well as his 1v1 ability, his all round game is such an asset to have within this team and certainly one of inexperience.
Joao Pedro captained the side in Dunk and Welbeck’s absence and he stepped up to give the performance of a skipper. There have been some question marks looming over him in the past weeks with his body language suggesting a mass of frustration turning into a glimpse of bitterness. Credit to him for portraying his quality on the weekend and working really hard for the team. This hard work resulted in him being able to get on the score sheet thanks to his composure from the spot. I think Albion fans just want to see him consistently put in the hard yards especially as the Seagulls are in a bad period.
There is a mass of youth in the side and now with key senior figures (as I mentioned before) the likes of Dunk and Welbeck out, it’s really time to put trust in the young players’ mentality and ability. To continue to stick out this tough patch of form and then be able to show the reliance needed to turn form around. The last two games in isolation have earned the Albion two very good points but as they come off the back of frustrating games and within a time where the Seagull’s are winless in 8 it is essential for the Albion to get a win over the lines in the upcoming fixtures.
