Arsenal vs Brighton: 3 tactics to beat Graham Potter’s side

3. Arsenal Need to Press and Exploit Brighton’s Tall Defenders

Fielding a back three against Crystal Palace consisting of Lewis Dunk, Dan Burn, and Shane Duffy, which is likely to be the same on Saturday, Arsenal’s frontline have the pace to get at trio not boasting the highest technical ability or speed.

The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Martin Odegaard, and Nicolas Pepe if played, all must use creativity and pace respectively to get in and behind the Brighton defense. Keep stretching the pitch.

In their meeting back in December of 2020, this rang true; Saka received the ball on the halfway line with Dan Burn tight to him. The youngster then turned the defender and used his pace to go past Burn and make his way into the box only to lay off the ball to Alexandre Lacazette who hit his shot first time and into the net to give Arsenal the lead.

This is a weakness in the Brighton defense can be got at, and although this is a slightly different side to that one, it gives a glimpse of what pace can do against this outfit. There will be no joy aerially. As Arsenal did against Spurs in keeping Saka high and wide, when pace and width is utilized correctly as it was in that meeting, it could be a long afternoon for anyone, including Potter’s side.

It shapes up to be yet another defining moment for Arteta and his Arsenal side as they started turning a corner with four wins on the trot. The indicators are on, they just need to turn the wheel.

Winning away to Brighton would help solidify Arteta’s position as Gunners boss and most importantly, it would bring to within touching distance of the pointy end of the league table, something that seemed impossible just weeks ago.