Arsenal: 3 talking points from Brighton win

Henry Payne

Arsenal's French-born Ivorian midfielder Nicolas Pepe (R) celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 23, 2021. - - 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 Alastair Grant / 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. / 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 ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal, Nicolas Pepe — Arsenal: 3 talking points from Premier League win over Brighton as Nicolas Pépé dazzles. (Photo by ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal brought their disappointing Premier League campaign to a close with a 2-0 home win against Brighton in front of 10,000 socially distanced fans.

Supporters ensured that their voices were heard before they even passed the turnstiles, with yet another demonstration against the club’s ownership.

They sang their hearts out in the moments before kick-off, and Thomas Partey nearly gave them a reason to cheer with an effort that had Robert Sánchez scrambling in the game’s early minutes.

Although there was some nice football on show, neither side could conjure any real opportunity until the half-hour mark. Rob Holding participated in a goal-mouth scramble, before making a big block to deny Jakub Moder. Gabriel then hit the crossbar with a looping header moments before half-time.

Arsenal: 3 talking points from Premier League win over Brighton as Nicolas Pépé dazzles

Arsenal got the opener soon after the break. Nicolas Pépé controlled Calum Chambers’ cross brilliantly, before thrashing home an effort with his right foot.

Aaron Connolly missed the chance to give Brighton an immediate response, and he was made to rue that opportunity when Pépé’s fine individual effort doubled Arsenal’s advantage.

The crossbar denied Partey his first goal in the famous red and white, and the game then faded away. Tottenham came from behind to beat Leicester, meaning that they will play in the UEFA Europa Conference League next season and that Mikel Arteta’s men finish 8th for two consecutive years. Nonetheless, there are signs that things could soon get better.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 23: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal is put under pressure by Dan Burn and Lewis Dunk of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on May 23, 2021 in London, England. A limited number of fans will be allowed into Premier League stadiums as Coronavirus restrictions begin to ease in the UK. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images).

Praise for Nicolas Pépé

Earlier this week, James McNicholas said that Nicolas Pépé “is finally producing the kind of performances to quell the incessant talk of his price tag”. One thing is for sure, he has finished the season with a flourish.

Against Brighton, he took his goals brilliantly and gave the returning fans plenty to smile about. The Ivorian has taken great strides this season, both with his output and attitude. He contributed to 21 goals (16 goals + 5 assists) in all competitions, an improvement on the 18 (8 goals + 10 assists) from last season.

Nowadays, he frequently competes for – and wins – aerial balls, and has shown a greater willingness to defend. If Pépé can carry this good form and a positive attitude into next season, Mikel Arteta will be a very happy man. The reason to field Willian over him at the start of the season remains an infuriating decision.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 23: David Luiz of Arsenal saying his final goodbye to the fans following the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on May 23, 2021 in London, England. A limited number of fans will be allowed into Premier League stadiums as Coronavirus restrictions begin to ease in the UK. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images).

A Word About David Luiz

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that David Luiz would be leaving the club when his contract expires on June 30th.

When Arsenal signed the eccentric Brazilian to replace Laurent Koscielny, plenty of fans were concerned.

However, in recent months, Luiz’s value both on and off the pitch became apparent. It is clear from the replies to this Instagram post that Luiz was a true leader at London Colney. Whenever he was absent from the starting eleven, his distribution was sorely missed.

Unsurprisingly, Arsenal fans warmed to the Brazilian and realised that his reputation as a ‘suspect defender’ was unwarranted (most of the time).

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 23: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal with Martin Oedegaard and Granit Xhaka during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on May 23, 2021 in London, England. A limited number of fans will be allowed into Premier League stadiums as Coronavirus restrictions begin to ease in the UK. (Photo by Alastair Grant – Pool/Getty Images).

Will Arsenal Rise Again?

Let’s make things very clear, eighth is not good enough. Yes, Arsenal were good in the second half of the season. They now need to build on that.

The club has a young and exciting nucleus: Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Kieran Tierney, and Gabriel Martinelli are just a few players who give fans hope, and Arteta seems prepared to build around them.

To take the next step, they must extend Martin Ødegaard’s stay, sign a couple of central midfielders, and reinforce both full-back spots. Several players need to be shown the door, and while the market will be challenging, Edu showed in January that he can get deadwood out the door.

If Arsenal’s struggles continue next season, expect a lot more fan demonstrations.

With the 2020/21 season mercifully in the books, Arsenal can turn their attention to the summer window.