Lots of discussion points arose during Arsenal’s win at the Amex against Brighton, including the fitness of Mikel Arteta’s midfield, a clear lack of spark and Viktor Gyokeres’ alarming performance.
Arteta’s squad wouldn’t have realised how integral their win over Brighton was, as over in Manchester in another 19:30 kick-off, Manchester City drew with Nottingham Forest.
Bukayo Saka’s ninth-minute goal was enough to win Arsenal the game, in what was an incredibly hard-fought three points at the Amex.
It wasn’t pretty, but it was crucial, and that’s what matters.
As the Premier League title race took another twist on matchday 29, here are three things we learned about Arsenal during their 1-0 victory.
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Three things learned from Arsenal’s victory against Brighton
Viktor Gyokeres is not built for the Premier League
Gyokeres might have recorded double figures for Premier League goals, but he’s leaving a lot to be desired.
The Swede’s stats against Brighton were abysmal, the most alarming part being that out of the seven duels he contested, he won none.
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Being a striker in the Premier League requires duel-winning strength, and it has to be said that Gyokeres has shown no sign of improving in that area.
Winning an average of just 32% of his duels in the Premier League this season, improvement is desperately needed if Gyokeres is to become a success in England.
The level of technicality in the squad is at an all-time low
A lot can be said about Arteta’s attacking tactics, but it has to be acknowledged that this team is crying out for a technician.
At no point did one player look as though they could undo Brighton, nor that they could offer that dust of magic typical of an Arsenal side.
There aren’t any Santi Cazorlas or Dennis Bergkamps that Arteta can call upon, which has to be said is the boss’s own making, given how he’s crafted this squad.
Something has to give, as playing with such a lack of inspiration is not sustainable for another two months.
Mikel Arteta has got to start rotating Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi
On the subject of things that can’t be sustained until the end of the season, it’s Rice and Zubimendi’s energy levels.
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At some point, the two midfielders need to be recharged, and quite frankly, that point was weeks ago.
Zubimendi looks fatigued, and Rice is missing the spark he had in the earlier months of the season.
Rotation will happen with the FA Cup fast approaching, but going forward, additional rest is needed to have the pivot back to its best.
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