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Brighton vs Arsenal: 3 key battles in Premier League showdown
By Kenneth Daly
![Arsenal's Brazilian striker Gabriel Martinelli (C) scores the equalising goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 9, 2022. - - 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 JUSTIN TALLIS / 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. / The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by JUSTIN TALLIS has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Arsenal's Brazilian striker Gabriel Martinelli (C) scores the equalising goal, which was then disallowed following a VAR review] instead of [Arsenal's Brazilian striker Gabriel Martinelli (C) scores the equalising goal]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause a (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2F8497e2b64b54192a8a58271d59200cd5e2ff258638aa6a8966fddd7bf66f2394.jpg "Arsenal's Brazilian striker Gabriel Martinelli (C) scores the equalising goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 9, 2022. - - 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 JUSTIN TALLIS / 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. / The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by JUSTIN TALLIS has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Arsenal's Brazilian striker Gabriel Martinelli (C) scores the equalising goal, which was then disallowed following a VAR review] instead of [Arsenal's Brazilian striker Gabriel Martinelli (C) scores the equalising goal]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause a (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)")
The stakes are high for the Ben White derby.
After showing their title mettle to complete a comeback win on Boxing Day, Arsenal will be optimistic they can claim yet another three points this weekend when they make the seaside trip to high-flying Brighton.
Improved fortunes at the Amex Stadium likely feature among Mikel Arteta’s New Year’s resolutions as the Gunners have managed just one victory in their last five South Coast visits and were lucky to walk away from this fixture with a point last season.
3 key battles to look out for as Brighton host Arsenal in the Premier League
A lot has changed since that inclement October evening and while new boss Roberto de Zerbi is already making a big impression in the home dugout, the league leaders show no signs of slowing down and will expect to enter 2023 with their five-point advantage still intact.
It promises to be a lively affair between two strong competitors, and here are three key battles that could decide the outcome.
1. Pervis Estupinan vs Bukayo Saka
An offensive avenue that could prove particularly fruitful.
Although he is still settling in, Estupinan has enjoyed a good start to Premier League life and quickly established himself in the Brighton first team. The summer arrival provides the Seagulls with an important offensive outlet courtesy of his ambitious forward runs and often delivers dangerous crosses in the final third, while his understanding with teammate Kaoru Mitoma has helped transform Brighton into a strong attacking force.
However, the Ecuador international is not quite so convincing at the back and exhibits a questionable positional sense that should interest Bukayo Saka.
Our starboy rarely disappoints due to his varied skillset as he regularly interchanges with Ben White and has the ball-carrying ability to bamboozle any opponent. He can also beat defenders on either side and uses considerable upper-body strength to shirk off challenges, which should give Estupinan a few sleepless nights.
Get Saka in the game at all costs.
Continued on the next slide…