Arsenal: 4 things we’d like to see against Brighton

4. Don’t Fall Foul to Aggravation

Brighton aren’t a nasty team. If anything they’re a very likable team. Yet what they do have is some masters of the dark arts, if you like, and their forward line know how to get under peoples’ skin.

Yes, Neal Maupay is absolutely one of them.

If you were him who would you target? It’d probably be Gabriel if we’re taking a look at the backline as he can be somewhat reckless on occasion, but this will happen across the board. Brighton have already tried to stir this fixture up with their social media facade, and it’s on to the players to pay no notice.

Aside from Maupay though, they have other means of aggravation. One of either Alexis Mac Allister or Aaron Connolly are likely to play in Danny Welbeck’s stead and the latter in particular has earned a reputation for the theatrical. He loves a good Tom Daley near enough everywhere.

Their big commanding centre-backs are exactly what any manager would want to be and a bit of the measured rough and tumble will also be on show.

Whereas Arsenal teams of old have been sucked into these side-games and are guilty to have played the occasion not the game, this team is more level-headed. They are, however, still very young and keeping a cool head throughout will be key.