3 standout players from disappointing 3-0 defeat to Brighton

Arsenal fans and players alike have been waiting on Manchester City to drop points for months.

With the reigning champions winning against Everton, the pressure was on Arsenal. Brighton have played well this season. It would be a tough challenge but the added boost of playing at home and the bounce from the previous two wins, along with the quality of the team, were thought to be more than enough. Instead of shining and continuing to push City, Arsenal crumbled.

The game started with a tense 45 minutes. The second period would be much worse. Brighton showed their quality on the day, capitalising on mistakes and attacking bravely. They defended remarkably well, with Arsenal unable to get a foothold in the game.

While this game most likely puts Arsenal’s title aspirations to rest, a few can walk away with their heads held high. Here are three players that stood out in an otherwise disappointing loss versus Brighton.

3 standout players from disappointing 3-0 defeat to Brighton

3. Bukayo Saka

The selection of Bukayo Saka as one of the stand-out players may come as a shock to some. His selection partly signals an overall abject team performance since he was not particularly incredible on the day. In recent games, fatigue has set in. No one has been more affected than Saka.

The past few weeks have seen Arsenal’s starboy slow down. He looks physically drained. Combined with the relatively light bench and Mikel Arteta’s reluctance to rotate, Saka has played far more minutes than may be advised. Against Brighton, although sapped of energy, he was still a threat down that right-hand side.

The attention he attracts from opposing defenders is nothing short of remarkable. Kaoru Mitoma was forced to track back just to double up on the winger, opening up spaces inside and on the overlap. The Englishman’s quick feet let him go outside where he put in dangerous crosses. He also found himself in the box, firing towards goal but his attempt was put wide.

Saka’s performances have dipped in recent weeks, there is no doubt about that. Yet he still remains tricky for opposition defenders. Hopefully, reinforcements can be brought in over the summer to rotate with him. A Bukayo Saka that is fresh every single time he is called upon would only elevate the level of the squad to new heights.

Continued on the next slide…