Arsenal Vs Brighton: 5 things we learned - You have got to be kidding?

Arsenal Vs Brighton: 5 things we learned – You have got to be kidding?

Brighton's French striker Neal Maupay (unseen) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Arsenal at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on June 20, 2020. (Photo by Gareth Fuller / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GARETH FULLER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by GARETH FULLER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

4. Saka a star wherever he plays

Mikel Arteta introduced an interesting tactical wrinkle into his set-up on Saturday. Using the 4-3-3 shape that looks very similar to Pep Guardiola’s at Manchester City, he used Bukayo Saka in a wide-left central midfield role, flanking the holding Guendouzi and largely shuttling up and down the inside-left half-space.

However, when Arsenal were in safe possession, Sead Kolasinac would tuck inside from left-back and Saka moved into a wide-left position, oftentimes standing right on the touchline to receive the ball. Alexandre Lacazette’s stooped header and Saka’s crashing shot against the crossbar in the first half both stemmed from these situations.

In the first half, he was the best player on the pitch. An 18-year-old bossing a Premier League match. Saka has been a revelation all season long, whether played on the wing, at left-back, or now in central midfield. He is a star. There is only one small problem: his pesky contract.