Brighton vs Arsenal: 4 positives of battling 0-0 draw

Arsenal battled hard to secure a point against Brighton on Saturday as Mikel Arteta’s side left the south coast with their unbeaten run in tact after a 0-0 draw.

It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t especially memorable either. The Seagulls mustered a full 21 shots at goal in a match they’ll be feeling disappointed to leave without three more Premier League points as their own unbeaten run in the league was extended, temporarily moving them up to fifth.

Fielding a team that supporters would have almost universally selected themselves, the only change from the North London Derby win over Tottenham saw Albert Sambi Lokonga come into midfield to replace long-term injury absentee Granit Xhaka.

The selection looked like paying off inside 50 seconds as a mazy run from Bukayo Saka culminated in the forward having a pop at Robert Sanchez. Sadly, it didn’t get much better than that.

Brighton vs Arsenal: 4 positives for Mikel Arteta’s side after a battling 0-0 draw in Saturday’s Premier League showdown

Brighton dominated the first half as their high intensity pressing and offensive man marking system saw Arsenal struggle to build from the back, instead forcing Aaron Ramsdale to go long into the Lewis Dunk’s pocket. It was precisely what the hosts wanted.

Despite their plethora of shots, precious few were on target and in a second half that followed a similar vein, just two forced Ramsdale into action that he dealt with comfortably.

Emile Smith Rowe fired straight at Sanchez after the break for the Gunners’ most meaningful effort, yet it was still the Seagulls who were by far the most threatening as wayward finishing and a flying Ramsdale intervention prevented them from taking what would have been a lead few could dispute they deserved.

But, as the Gunners goalkeeper said himself post-match, it’s not all doom and gloom. Sure, after the highs of the Spurs win this may feel like something of a downer, but there are certainly positives to draw from the….draw.

1. Gabriel & Ben White Continue to Build a Solid Platform

These two are looking good. Very good.

There is a certain resilience to the pairing of Ben White and Gabriel is that is growing stronger by the week. Both are asked to be positive in possession – Gabriel likes to zip balls through the lines and White has the capacity to go long – and despite those qualities it’s their physicality in the heart of the defence that is the most endearing aspect at present.

In the air Gabriel is almost unbeatable, while on the floor at the Amex Stadium White led the charge for ball recoveries and clearances in a backs-to-the-wall first half display.

There is an unmissable balance in their play. Whether it be distances between each other or in holding the line effectively, to see a chemistry as theirs blossom in such a short space of time with a language barrier to cross is remarkable. Central defensive partnerships are one of the toughest to strike and they’ve made serious ground already.

Against Brighton they were resolute, physical and commanding. Everything you want to see. Granted, on the ball they were limited, but this was due to an efficient and well drilled Brighton press. When it came to matters in the box, the Arsenal pair had the final say.

While inexperience exists across the pitch, this young pair look more mature than they are. Offering a platform for the rest of the team to build, it’s a huge building block on the road to recovery.

Continued…