Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Arsenal – Sorry Gunners Subjected To Yet Another Demoralising Defeat
Arsenal’s nightmare seems to have no end as they suffered another humiliating defeat to new boys Brighton & Hove Albion at Falmer Stadium on Sunday afternoon. This defeat has sent Arsene Wenger into further misery and his managerial realm at North London is approaching a wretched conclusion.
The Gunners were in the backfoot from the very beginning as the hosts were allowed to play some free-flowing football, as they encountered little resistance from Arsenal midfield. The Seagulls were enjoying a decent run of form and seemed to be high on confidence against a depleted and devasted Arsene Wenger’s team.
Brighton soon broke the deadlock when veteran Petr Cech missed the flight of a corner and Lewis Dunk made no mistake to put his team in the front. Things went from bad to worse for the North Londoners when they conceded once again.
Laurent Koscienly’s abysmal misplaced pass allowed the Seagulls to stride forward and Pascal Gross’s cross was headed home by Glenn Murray. Shkodran Mustafi could not deal with the cross and Petr Cech, once again, failed to deal with the drop header.
Arsenal, being down by two goals, showed more intent to stage a comeback and Pierre-Emerick Aubamenyang’s clever finish made it 2-1 late in the first-half. The Gunners were extremely unfortunate too as Koscielny’s header hit the woodwork in the added minutes.
The first-half thus ended 2-1 in favour of the hosts who maintained composure and discipline throughout the second half and managed to keep hold of the lead which has now lifted them to 10th place in the league tally. Arsenal’s campaign descends into further chaos and the team is looking completely shattered ahead of the Europa League clash against an in-form AC Milan.
Brighton Player Ratings
Mathew Ryan (7)
The Australian missed the flight once and should have done better with his distributions. Otherwise, he was pretty solid between the sticks and made some decent stops to register a cherishable win.
Ezequiel Schelotto (6.5)
Had an average outing in a makeshift right-back role as he struggled with his passing but offered presence up front with his timely runs and crosses. Tested Petr Cech once, down the right flank. Was taken off due to an injury and got replaced by veteran Bruno, midway through the second half.
Shane Duffy (8)
Was solid defensively, maintained resilience and was rarely beaten by the Arsenal attackers. Assisted his central defensive partner Lewis Dunk for Brighton’s opening goal.
Lewis Dunk (8)
Earned his side an early lead following the Gunners’ defensive lapse and partnered Duffy exquisitely in the heart of Brighton backline.
Gaetan Bong (7.5)
Did his defensive duties and made occasional forward runs down the left flank and linked up well with the impressive Jose Izquierdo throughout the game.
Anthony Knockaert (7.5)
Should have done better in the early minutes to double the lead but kept on troubling the Gunners with his smart movements, great passing skills and swift one-twos. Was replaced by Solly March in the second half.
Dale Stephens (7)
Was strong and combative in the middle of the park. Broke down opponents’ moves and impressed with his work-rate.
Davy Propper (7.5)
Once again impressed in a box-to-box role as he carried the ball from deep down the midfield and distributed it to the attackers who were fluid, versatile and menacing against a depleted Gunners team.
Jose Izquierdo (8)
The Colombian was excellent once again, forced Cech into making decent stops and terrorised the Arsenal backline with his tricky runs, pace and footwork.
Pascal Gross (8.5)
One of the finest signings of the season who not only played his part in the first goal but also assisted the second with a pinpoint cross. Tested Cech twice and earned a standing ovation from the fans when he was replaced by Beram Kayal in the closing minutes.
Glenn Murray (8)
Continues his scoring streak as he headed home to double the lead in the first-half which proved to be the difference between the two sides. Remained isolated mostly but did not waste his opportunity.
Subs
Bruno (6.5)
Used his experience to keep hold of the narrow lead and secure a massive win.
Solly March (6)
Came in place of Knockaert and played his part in securing all three points against the North London heavyweights.
Beram Kayal (NA)
Came on as an 87th-minute substitute in place of Pascal Gross.