Arsenal fans spotted William Saliba telling Gabriel Magalhaes, ‘We are not mean enough,’ which they think was in reference to the team’s missed chances.
Mikel Arteta’s team just about managed to get the three points over the line against Brighton as Martin Odegaard’s first-half goal and Georginio Rutter’s own goal proved to be enough.
The Gunners really should have cruised to victory in N5, especially given how many chances they had; however, they struggled to convert.
I actually think Arsenal need to sign a goalscorer in January, do you agree?
Instead, Arsenal were forced to hang on to the win for dear life at the end, with David Raya needing to produce the save of the season to help earn the points.
Arsenal’s defence has every right to be annoyed with the attackers, and Saliba appeared to make his frustrations clear to his Brazilian defensive partner.
William Saliba blasts Arsenal’s inability to put Brighton away
Arsenal fans are convinced that they spotted William Saliba bemoaning Arsenal’s inability to put the game against Brighton to bed.
Footage shows Saliba appearing to say, ‘We’re not mean enough,’ in French, as a reference to Arsenal’s lack of cutting edge in attack.
The Gunners had 24 shots against the Seagulls, creating an xG of 3.08, but they only managed one goal, with the other being a deflection.
It’s become an issue for Arteta’s team, with four of their six goals in December being own goals and just one coming from open play.
The team’s failure to take their chances very nearly cost them against Brighton, who came so close to finding an equaliser.
How concerned are you by Viktor Gyokeres’ performance vs Brighton
Once again, it was a tough evening for Gyokeres, who struggled against Brighton, leaving fans with serious question marks about his suitability for the team.
The Swedish striker has now become a serious dilemma for Arteta, as it’s clear that his presence is now hindering the team.
Gabriel Jesus being back fully fit should help; meanwhile, Kai Havertz is also closing in on a return from injury.
Mikel Arteta needs to utilise Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke better
One bizarre moment from Saturday’s 2-1 win was that neither Eberechi Eze nor Noni Madueke managed to make it off the bench against the Seagulls.
Eze and Madueke have both proven themselves to be two of the best attackers in the Premier League, but Arteta refused to bring either on.
When the team needs another goal, and you turn to players like Ethan Nwaneri, Madueke and Eze on the bench, most managers would be delighted.
Not to mention the fact that we are at a point in the season where games are coming thick and fast, with rotation more important than ever.
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