Arsenal vs Brighton: Instant Reaction

Thoughts at full time

Straight into it.

Headline: A complete performance

Arsenal started out strong and with the intent to push Brighton back and control this match and that set the tone for how the day was going to go.

In the opening 15 minutes Brighton actually edged possession over Arsenal but it was exactly the type of possession that I think Arsenal wanted them to have. Arsenal’s press was excellent forcing them into traps and making it incredibly hard to build out and break through.

That pushed the field tilt entirely into Arsenal’s favor.

It was 62 final third touches to 7 in that opening period, 4 shots to 0, 9 touches in the box to 0.

That set the style of play and Arsenal just bombarded Brighton from there, in what is my view Arsenal’s most complete performance of the season.

The stats from today’s game are just wonderful to look at and bring a smile to my stats loving face.

A high volume of good quality shots. Check.

Excellent pressure, giving the team high field tilt and shot suppression. Check.

Good set play delivery turning into a ton of chances and a goal. Check.

Declan Rice doing awesome runs and making great tackles. Check.

It is all there and all wonderful. I think my favorite graphic and the one that tells the story the best of this match is the average distance from goal map.

The ball went into Brighton’s half, and it just stayed there. The pressure was relentless and didn’t let up until the ball ended up in the back of the net.

Stock Rising: Gabriel Martinelli