Emirates Stadium has proved a very happy hunting ground for Brighton since 2019 with the Seagulls beating Arsenal in four of the last five visits to London.
After sealing top spot in their Europa League group on Thursday with a win over Marseille – a result that further underlines their credentials as one of Europe’s most exciting sides – Roberto De Zerbi’s side will fancy their chances again on Sunday.
It promises to be a real test of character for Mikel Arteta’s side, who come into the match second in the table after a frustrating defeat at Aston Villa last weekend.
“They are a really good side,” said Arteta in his pre-game press conference.
“It’s true that last year when we had the game under control we conceded the goal and then the game completely broke up and we struggled, especially in the last 15 minutes of the game.
“We’re going to have to play better and be very efficient, which is key against them.”
“It was a tough day to be fair and losing at home and the way we did it at the end with the last goals that we conceded, it was painful as well.
“It was like the dream was almost over, not mathematically but a big part of it. And I recall it as a really tough day.”
While Brighton currently sit ninth in the Premier League table, lower than they might like, Arteta still feels De Zerbi’s side have come on leaps and bounds recently.
“They have taken another level,” he reflected. “They play European football and they are really successful. You could see that last night [against Marseille] with what they did. And they’ve done that after selling players, after a lot of injuries.
“So huge credit for them, for Roberto, the coaching staff, the club, for what they’re doing because it’s really impressive.”
“I spoke to him [De Zerbi] a few times about different topics. I followed his career since he was in Sassuolo before he moved to Ukraine, and they were very impressive in what they do. I love the way his teams play and what he’s accomplished in the Premier League as well.”
The Gunners certainly won’t want to drop points for a second week in a row knowing a pre-Christmas trip to league leaders Liverpool is lurking on the horizon.
“The schedule is what it is right now,” said Arteta. “We have two big games coming up and then we have as well the 28th [against West Ham] and the 31st [versus Fulham], so this period is vital around this moment in the year and we’ll try to win every game.”
Traditionally over the festive period, the matches come so thick and fast that the players end up spending more time at the training ground than with their families. This year, thanks to fixtures being moved for broadcast reasons, the players will actually get Christmas off.
Arteta is looking forward to the novelty of time at home as well as the busy schedule.
“I really like it. It gives us the opportunity as well to bring family over. When we’re in Spain it’s a bit different. I had incredible memories about this period when I was a player and right now as a manager as well,” he said.
“This year it’s very rare because I’m going to have 24th and 25th without a training session as well which is extremely bizarre but good to spend some time as well with my family, especially me that I have young kids and they are super excited about Christmas.”
Nah, De Zerbi called Mudryk, a potential Messi, looool, not so expert.
Maybe–but he never tried to buy him, did he?
Lots of players have potential. Maybe Mik would’ve got more out of him.
That’s because that’s Mudryk’s profile. He’s got the same type of mobility with the ball but also ability to link with others and strike on either foot. It’s an insane skillset and few others have ever had it. Eden Hazard is another comp; Marc Overmars a little bit too. That’s not to say he is at that level now or that he will ever reach that level, but that’s what he can be and that’s why he cost what he did.
I’m glad they get christened
Christmas for once. Mental to never have one for 15 years of you’re a pro