Arsenal vs Brighton: Five Talking Points Ahead of a Pivotal Showdown

Two matches into the new season, Arsenal look more or less the same as they ended last season - that is to say, very good. Elite, even. The early-season rust has shown at times, but the same could be said of every team at this early stage. The Gunners look a far more complete side than the majority of the Premier League, and they are certainly playing like a club that knows who they are and what they are capable of.

The 2-0 win away to Aston Villa last weekend felt emphatic. In an early slate of tough matches, it was the first major test for the Gunners, which they passed it with flying colors while exacting some much-needed revenge on the Villains. But the fixtures don’t get any easier in the immediate future, as Arsenal welcome third placed Brighton & Hove Albion to the Emirates for a top four showdown on matchday 3.

The Seagulls present a unique test of Arsenal’s mettle and their resolve. They have started strong and will be a tricky challenge for the Gunners, especially as they approach back-to-back away trips to Tottenham and Manchester City in the following weeks. A solid performance against the visitors will have the Gunners entering their upcoming matches with confidence and belief. A poor performance, and the wheels will surely feel the wobble.

It’s early days yet, but the matches matter all the same.

Here are five talking points ahead of Saturday’s match:

Brighton’s Unexpected Hot Start

Brighton have started the season with a bang under new manager Fabian Hürzeler, who is the youngest ever permanent PL manager at 31, in case you needed to feel cripplingly old. Coming from the recently-promoted German side St. Pauli, Hürzeler took over for Roberto DeZerbi who to take over managerial duties at Lique 1 side Marseille. De Zerbi’s departure and the hiring of a new manager with no PL experience had many certain that the Seagulls would take a step back, especially after the club finished the 23/24 season with one win from their final ten matches.

That assumption couldn’t have been further from the truth so far. Brighton began the season by dismantling Everton 3-0 (who look dire through two matches, to be fair) on the road, and then followed that up with a stoppage time 2-1 win over Manchester United at the AmEx arena. They remain a plucky, tricky side that relies on swift, technical play to punish the opposition on the transition.

History, though, has a habit of repeating itself. Last season started out similarly for Brighton before they lost to West Ham in their third match and then spent the majority of the seasons oscillating between stretches of scintillating victories and frustrating losses. As Arsenal well know, young and relatively inexperienced coaches come with a learning curve, but that hasn’t been the case quite yet for Brighton.

Familiar Foes

Arsenal hosted Brighton in December of 2023, beating the visitors 2-0 with second half goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz to seal the match. The Gunners could have been up by several at halftime as they failed to capitalize on a handful of quality chances in the attack early on.

The match had all the hallmarks of one of those “we can’t get out of our own way” matches until Gabriel Jesus found himself on the receiving end of a flicked on header by a Brighton player on a corner to head home the opener. Brighton nearly found an equalizer while the Gunners were up 1-0, but luckily for the hosts, the finishing for the Seagulls was worse than the Gunners on the day. Kai Havertz iced the match in the 87th after a well-timed through ball from Eddie Nketiah, and the Gunners took all 3 points.

Injury Concerns, As Always

The unfortunate news last came when, on matchday, it was reported that Gabriel Jesus was sidelined with a groin injury. The man cannot catch a break. The severity is reportedly low, which means he might be available for the match. The pessimist in me, though, thinks this means we won’t see him again until mid-September. I’d love to be proven wrong, but I won’t hold my breath.

The rest of the injuries remain the same as last time, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney both out of contention with injuries.

Will Trossard Start?

Gabriel Martinelli got the start at Aston Villa after a lively first match but failed to be a difference maker. Enter Leandro Trossard, super sub extraordinaire. The Belgian slotted home the first goal on his first touch after Martinelli was subbed off, and since then, the debate has crept back up. Trossard did more in 22 minutes than Martinelli did for 65, and now fans want him starting.

I think they are right, and that we will see Trossard start. Not only has he shown to be the club’s best finisher, but he has also shown a great rapport with Kai Havertz, who will undoubtedly start at striker.

The other point of debate, although less contentious, is left back. After Timber started against Villa, I think either he or Calafiori gets the start at the Emirates. Calafiori showed a lot to like in his brief debut, though I also think he is still learning the ropes of Arteta’s system.

As for Thomas Partey - with every passing match, it feels like the ticking timebombs that are his hamstrings get pushed further to their inevitable breaking point. So far, Arteta seems intent on playing him every available minute. With the transfer of Mikel Merino, that should allow Rice to slide back into the 6 sooner rather than later. The irrational fan in me wants to see Merino start on Saturday, but the less-fun rational part of me knows better. He’ll see the pitch, just not out of the gate.

The rest of the lineup should remain unchanged.

A Vital Test Ahead of a Tough Stretch

After Saturday, Arsenal don’t play a Premier League match at the Emirates until September 28th. Between the upcoming international break and away matches, it’s going to be a lengthy stretch without home support. The fans have been incredible, so one more sterling performance ahead of the break would be a superlative cap for the fans and players alike, especially the new ones who have yet to see the pitch at the Emirates.

For Arsenal to be a force once more, the Emirates needs to be a proverbial fortress. The Gunners have been utterly dominant on the road in 2024, and the ability to match that same level at home can be the difference maker.

By Saturday, we will finally know what Arsenal will look like for the rest of the season with the summer transfer window closing on Friday night. After that, there is no more speculating, there is only the long path ahead for the Gunners. In a weird way, it feels like the season begins in earnest on Saturday. What better way to kick start it than with another win?