Arsenal earned another narrow win in the Premier League, beating Brighton 2-1 at the Emirates on matchday 18.
It’s not been the best of times for the Gunners, but Mikel Arteta’s side keep winning, maintaining their spot at the top of the table.
Arsenal beat Brighton 2-1, largely thanks to David Raya, who pulled off a remarkable save to keep the hosts’ lead intact.
It was another instance of Arsenal needing to convert their chances better in the final third, but in Arteta’s eyes, the primary narrative from the contest was injuries.
Fill the blanks: The most costly Arsenal injury has been _______ because ____________.
Mikel Arteta praises how his squad have coped with injuries
The Arsenal manager spoke to Arsenal’s official website at full-time, where he was eager to put his squad’s injuries under the spotlight.
“The way the boys are performing and getting results in this incredible schedule, with the injuries that we’ve gone through, it’s remarkable,” Arteta said.
“We’re going to need everybody’s energy. On the 30th, let’s all be together again to go for it and win again.”
Arsenal’s injuries have been a massive problem so far this season and weren’t eased against Brighton, as Riccardo Calafiori came off in the warm-up.
Yet again, Arteta was forced to change his back four due to injury, just as Gabriel Magalhaes returned to action.
The one-in-one-out injury policy started as a joke among fans, but what was once seen in a playful nature is now a real concern.
Arsenal’s defensive work deserves more applause
44% – the percentage that Arteta has fielded his favoured back four out of Arsenal’s opening 18 Premier League matches of 2025/26.
Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel and Calafiori have started just eight games together in the league this season due to injury.
Do you think people are talking about our injuries enough in the title race?
It’s a huge problem, but one that has been made to look less significant than it is thanks to Arsenal’s squad depth and adaptability.
It’s unsurprising that Arteta was eager to shine a light on how impressive it is that Arsenal have been able to keep their status as the Premier League leaders throughout this period.
While the media narrative is focused on how impressive Manchester City have been and how lacklustre the Gunners have been, perhaps more attention is needed on what Arteta’s side are combating.
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