Arsenal 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion: Match Report, Statistics, and Analysis

06/12/19 1829

Freddie Ljungberg’s first home game as interim manager ended in defeat as Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by Brighton.

Adam Webster opened the scoring on 36 minutes when he bundled home from a corner. The defender latched on to Dan Burn’s header to net a scrappy goal.

Alexandre Lacazette equalised for the Gunners just after half-time – marking a century of Arsenal appearances with a clever glancing header.

Nicolas Pepe was brought on to replace Joe Willock at half-time, and Arsenal seemed to improve following the record signing’s introduction.

However, the home side failed to make the most of their chances early in the second half, and this allowed Brighton back into the game.

With ten minutes remaining, Neal Maupay scored the winner for Brighton to send the Seagulls into thirteenth – one point behind Arsenal in the standings.

Match Stats

Arsenal – Brighton & Hove Albion

Possession

49%-51%

Shots

12-20

Shots on Target

5-9

Corners

9-9

Fouls

10-11

It’s not often you see the away side finish with more possession at the Emirates, but Arsenal’s poor performance is summed up in the match stats.

The Seagulls enjoyed the lion’s share of the chances on Thursday night, and if it wasn’t for Gunners goalkeeper Bernd Leno, it could’ve been worse for Ljungberg’s men.

Man of the Match: Mat Ryan (Brighton & Hove Albion)

The Brighton goalkeeper made a fantastic save to deny Gabriel Martinelli late on, and the Australian made four saves throughout the game.

Ryan has been one of Brighton’s standout performers so far this season, and he proved his worth again at the Emirates.

Key Facts

• Arsenal are now on their worst winless run since 1977.
• Seven of Brighton’s last 10 league goals have come from set-piece situations.
• 25 of Alexandre Lacazette’s 32 top-flight goals have been scored at home.
• Arsenal have already faced 52 shots on target in Premier League home games this season – highlighting their defensive troubles.
• This was Brighton’s first away win in the league since the opening day of the season.