After the triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby, Arsenal faced a sturdy challenge away at Brighton and boy it was a tough one. The trip away to the American Express Community Stadium was a vital one for the Gunners to build on a good run in the Premier League.
However, the Brighton team proved to be a tough nut to crack as Arsenal could only conjure a single point from the match which ended in a 0-0 draw. Thus somewhat putting brakes on the team’s good run of form in the past month after a disastrous start to the season.
In truth, the Seagulls were the superior team and arguably played better football on the day. Having struck 21 shots against the North London club, they must feel hard done after the 0-0 draw at home where they could have possibly taken all three points. However, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, despite being far from their regular best, held on and took home a vital point that saw them continue on an unbeaten run after the Man City bashing.
Nevertheless, it was a disappointing result in failing to secure the three points against Brighton, but what a good team on their bad day does is that they do not lose and that is certainly what Arsenal did. Mikel Arteta would be in some way satisfied that despite not scoring against Graham Potter’s side, they held on strong and did not concede a goal, thus taking home some positives from the game.
On what was a dull attacking display from Arsenal, let’s have a look at the five positives for the Gunners in the 0-0 draw against Brighton.
1. Aaron Ramsdale Is The Keeper The Team Can Rely On
Aaron Ramsdale made a fluffy start to the game as he failed to collect a cross from Maupay early in the game which could have lead to a goal for the home side, but it was a relief for the young keeper when the rebound was blazed over the bar by Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk.
A nervy start to the game, a lot could have gone wrong for the English shot-stopper, but it didn’t. He was quick to dust himself from the early error and was on point for the rest of the match. Multiple interventions throughout the game saw Arsenal keep the hungry Brighton players at bay and secure a hard-earned point.
🗣 "It was a difficult game. I don't think we took our foot off the gas."
Aaron Ramsdale gives credit to Brighton's performance against Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/xIjxOkLkE1
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 2, 2021
Arsenal, in their last four Premier League games, have only conceded a single goal which was against Spurs. This indicates how big of an impact Ramsdale has had on the team since he arrived at the club. The defence looks more focused, calm and most importantly, they trust him as their last line of defence.
2. Arsenal Have A Formidable Centre-back Pairing In Ben White & Gabriel
What Arsenal have been clearly lacking for the past few seasons were a good centre-back pairing. The Gunners were always left short-handed in the past due to their failure to form a good centre-back partnership. But it looks like Mikel Arteta has finally solved a long-term issue for the team by pairing Ben White & Gabriel at the heart of the defence and so far, they have been surprisingly good.
Both the defenders were on their toes and took the centre stage against Brighton. As Arsenal attackers failed to put a dent in Brighton’s defence, the onus was on the centre-backs to keep their team’s goal intact and they put up a valiant performance under pressure. Ben White was decisive in sweeping the ball and making key interceptions while Gabriel was able to fend off any aerial threats.
Given how quickly they have gelled to form a proficient partnership, it could bear greater fruits for the Gunners in the long term. It was a resilient defensive display from Mikel Arteta’s men and Ben White and Gabriel were the ones who shouldered the responsibility. Being physically strong and commanding in the penalty box, there are signs that the defenders will have a big say in the team’s success by the end of this season.
3. Mikel Arteta Has Responded His Critics Well With Recent Results
Mikel Arteta was under a lot of pressure since the beginning of this season, and it seemed Arsenal had hit rock-bottom after a dreadful start in the Premier League. The seat on which the Spaniard sits is already hot enough and after 3 games, 3 losses and 0 points in the bag, the end looked inevitable.
🗣"I think we take the point. I don't think we deserve more than that."
Mikel Arteta admits his Arsenal side struggled against Brighton. pic.twitter.com/qk3QBxD79b
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 2, 2021
However, that particularly terrible beginning has now been forgotten. After the Man City disappointment, the Gunners have gone on to collect 10 points from the available 12, with Mikel Arteta winning the Premier League Manager of the Month Award for September.
Perhaps, Arteta was correct in stating that he was missing his key players in the early fixtures and the team needed a bit of time to settle in. Whatever it may be, in football, the only thing that matters are good results in favour of the team. And the biggest credit goes to Arteta as this Arsenal team is a much-improved one that is more focused and determined in achieving the goals.
4. Emile Smith Rowe Is An Arsenal Legend In The Making
On a day when Arsenal attackers were struggling to make any clear chances to hurt Brighton, Smith Rowe was by far the best attacking player on the pitch for the Gunners. Though he was far from his personal best, his mentality and his efforts are what makes him stand out.
Emile Smith Rowe was not afraid to take on Brighton defenders, drive the team forward with his runs and also ride challenges in doing so. Despite all his efforts, Arsenal failed to make any prominent attacking move and drew blanks against Brighton.
Emile Smith Rowe giving his shirt to an Arsenal fan in the away end at Brighton after the match.
“Emile, I’m soaked, can I have your shirt?” 😂
Love this, @emilesmithrowe 💛 pic.twitter.com/0EAfipFdyZ
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) October 2, 2021
The new No.10 had a moment to cherish when his dream came true after scoring against arch-rivals Tottenham in the North London Derby in front of the home crowd. There is more to his game than just bursts of speed and dribbles, he is the one who likes to take up the mantle and has the winning mentality which has long been missing from the previous No 10 bearers. He deservedly wears the shirt and proves his worth in every game for the Gunners.
5. There Is Light At The End Of The Tunnel For Arsenal
The misery of the worst possible start to the Premier League season is now fading away and Arsenal supporters feel more optimistic and a renewed sense of hope. Considering they have invested heavily in the summer transfer window, they would want to return to the European club competitions and finishing in the top 6 will be their priority.
The win against Spurs was a much-needed one and the result against Brighton showed how deep this Arsenal team can dig when the going gets tough. In the previous seasons, the Gunners gave into the pressure after disappointing results, but this season, it feels different considering how the team has collectively bounced back.
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With no European club competition this season, the North London outfit have to be on their toes and need to ensure a top 6 finish. Perhaps, one can also optimistically hope for a top 4 finish, which is again too big an ask. Arsenal would want to continue on their good run of form in the Premier League after the international break in a home game against Crystal Palace.
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