Numbers prove exactly where Arsenal must improve ahead of EFL clash after Brighton disappointment

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal suffered their seventh draw of the Premier League season by falling short to Brighton at the Amex.

Once again, Mikel Arteta was unable to guide his side closer to Liverpool, as Arsenal drew 1-1 with Brighton. 

Ethan Nwaneri opened the scoring in style however, the teenager’s effort was cancelled out after the hour mark courtesy of a Joao Pedro penalty.

Some believe that Brighton shouldn’t have been awarded a penalty as William Saliba and Pedro clashed heads, with the result being another instance of controversy at the hands of VAR. 

• READ MORE: What Mikel Arteta thinks about Brighton’s penalty after Arsenal handed frustrating decision

Arsenal weakness vs Brighton identified by alarming statistic

Fabian Hurzeler disagreed with Arteta’s view of the penalty, claiming that it was a clear foul by Saliba on Pedro. 

While the story of the match has now become the opinion-splitting penalty, there’s an even greater concern for the Arsenal manager to take note of. 

Sky Sports analyst Nick Wright noted that the visitors significantly dropped off in a key area against Brighton, demonstrating a clear crumble in the second half.

Arsenal went from winning 63% of their duels in the first half, a percentage that dropped to 41% after the interval, telling of Brighton’s boost and Arteta’s inability to stay in control. 

The numbers portray a concerning narrative for the Gunners, whose decline in the second half was punished by the Seagulls scoring an equaliser.

Arsenal must do better against Newcastle 

Riccardo Calafiori has already called on Arsenal to focus on Newcastle, as the Gunners face the Magpies in the EFL Cup semi-final on Tuesday. 

An even greater challenge awaits Arteta’s side, as Eddie Howe’s squad return to north London in fine form after beating Spurs 2-1. 

In that game, Newcastle took a lead into the interval and managed to maintain it, absorbing Spurs’ pressure as well as attempting to further their lead.

The high-intensity and tireless approach that Tuesday’s opponent have been showing of late is a concern for Arsenal, who showed the opposite against Brighton.