The 2019-20 season of the Premier League resumed in midweek and Arsenal started off with a 3-0 loss at the hands of Manchester City. Not only was the loss embarrassing but at the same time, Mikel Arteta had a series of injury setback and a red card suspension.
But the Gunners boss will have not time to ponder over this loss as they hit the road once again in order to take on Brighton away from home on Saturday.
And speaking before the game, pundit Charlie Nicholas has raised serious concerns over Arsenal’s defensive line.
Nicholas has told Sky Sports that the suspension of David Luiz and the injury to Mari can give a lifeline to Brighton for this match but eventually the Gunners’ superior attack should see them through.
The pundit said: “Wednesday was what I expected. The one scenario I did not expect was the team which Mikel Arteta picked. Mesut Ozil was dropped – he has been dropped before in these types of games. He went for youth and he can see where the future is.
“I do not see it as a massive debate or crisis for Arsenal. They are ninth for a reason. There is a reason behind just the nine wins from 29.
“Over the last five or six years, Arsenal’s defence has been poor, not average, but poor. How a team can let this go on for so long is mind-blowing.
“Because they have a game under their belt, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang must be fresh as anything as he looked disinterested.
“Eddie Nketiah looked sharp but then could not get the service. I would not have any hesitation about him starting against Brighton. He has put muscle on, and his link-up play was not bad for all he got.
“Aubameyang has to shake a leg. He either wants to stay or he does not.
“Why not go and win the Golden Boot for yourself? David Luiz is suspended, Pablo Mari will be out, Granit Xhaka is not a big miss in my opinion, so Brighton will give them issues in attack. Arsenal did look sharp and fit but made bad mistakes, and for having that game under their belt, I think Arsenal will have the edge.”
Arsenal really made a mess of their talents and preparations against Manchester City and now with Pablo Mari and David Luiz ruled out of action, Brighton might have an earnest chance of picking up something from this game.
The likes of Aubameyang and Ozil should ensure that Arsenal will score goals at the Amex Stadium but for Graham Potter, it will unmistakably be scoring one more than the visiting side.
