Brighton host Arsenal on the Premier Leagues Boxing day event, that’s a day that is always filled with goals and upsets. Last game out for Brighton they lost 2-0 to Bournemouth where their captain, Lewis Dunk ,was sent off and is now suspended for the match. Arsenal lost Nacho Monreal last game through injury and have now lost Henrick Mkhitaryan for this match through an injury as well.
Last season, Arsenal lost 2-1 at Brighton’s home when they were suffering with their horrendous away record. Arsenal start the game off with most possession, dominating in the Brighton half.
GOALL! ARSENAL GET AN EARLY LEAD! Arsenal pressure the Brighton defense and the ball gets to Mesut Ozil. The German midfielder back heels to the defenders, but Lacazette steals it. He fakes a shot that takes three defenders down that left Pierre Emerick Aubameyang alone, Lacazette gives passes it to the Gabonese striker who burries it into the net. Aubameyang extends his goal tally to 13 and continues to be top scorer of the league!
The gunners continue their high pressing thanks to their 4-3-2-1 formation, that contains three holding midfielders with Torreira and Guendozi constantly winning the ball.
Brighton nearly score in the 22nd minute! Pascal Gross tricks Ozil and takes his shot from long range but it was deflected by Laurent Koscielny. Glenn Murray scores for Brighton but it is immediately disallowed. Dale Stephans crosses it in for Brighton and it goes singled out Martin Montoya. He passes it in the center to Glenn Murray who can’t control it. Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno catches the ball but Murray kicks it out of his hand it’s in the net. The referee rightly disallows the goal and free kick is won to Arsenal. Brighton have gained momentum and they are now in Arsenal’s defensive half.
WHAT A SAVE BY MATT RYAN! Aubameyang was one on one with the Australian keeper and Ryan didn’t let Aubameyang get pass him again this time. Crucial save by Ryan.
GOAL!! BRIGHTON EQUALIZE IN THE 35TH MINUTE FROM AN INCREDIBLE COUNTER ATTACK. Davy Propper does a long ball to start a counter from the corner kick and Arsenal rightback Stephan Lichtsteiner attempts to head it out, but it goes to the path of Jurgen Locaidia. Leno comes but Locaidia dribbles pass him and walks it into an empty net. Two Arsenal mistakes and it the score is now 1-1.
First half ends 1-1 and both teams have scored from awful defending. Lichtsteiner has had an horrendous first half, he’s been attacking constantly but doesn’t have the pace the drop back on time and is in fault for the Brighton goal.
Second half begins and both teams are expecting to get a winner. Mesut Ozil is subbed off at half-time for Alex Iwobi. Ozil’s lack of defense and pressure has been noticeable in the first half, and manger Unai Emery subs him off for Alex Iwobi to do the job. With four at back rather than three, the width from Kolasinac is absent and Iwobi comes on to attack on the wings.
Brighton have been the better side so far, with a more disciplined defense and stable attack. Their midfield has been better by far and they keep getting chances. They nearly get the lead on the 59th minute, Locaidia has it on the wing and passes it to Propper, he takes his shot that barely goes wide.
Lacazette comes off in the 60th minute for Aaron Ramsey, the Frenchman looks unhappy with this situation throwing his gloves on the floor. With Brighton winning the battle in midfield, Emery brings on the Welsh midfielder to add more creativity.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles comes on for Laurent Koscielny which will move Lichtsteiner to center back. Lichtsteiner pace has been a struggle on the right, and Niles will allow more of an attacking presence.
Maitnland-Niles introduction caused a formation change to 3 in the back and Arsenal are looking most likely to get the three points now. It’s been all passes so far, with barely any shots occurring in this boring and slow second half.
Brighton nearly score off another counter attack. March recieves the ball from pass over the top and see’s Leno off his line, He attempts to chip it over but it goes way over. Another chance for Brighton on 80th minute, Locaidia get’s it and dribbles past Lichtsteiner nearly scores. With Sokratis being to only real center back in the back 3, Brighton are taking advantage and attacking Xhaka and Lichtsteiner the most. The 3 center backs are also all the way up to the half field line, Xhaka and Lichtsteiner pace is being used against them.
The game ends 1-1 in a very boring second half, both teams failed to excite me in the second and it’s a terrible result for Arsenal, who can kiss top four goodbye unless Chelsea lose versus Watford. Arsenal face the undefeated league leaders Liverpool this Saturday, where a win is very well needed. Arsenal have only beaten Tottenham when it comes to the “Top 6”, losing to Chelsea and City, and drawing with United and Liverpool. Arsenal really need to buy in the January transfer window, with Mkhitaryan and Welbeck’s injuries being missed in the attack, and their defense getting weaker having 5 defenders injured.
Alex's Soccer Blog 