Arsenal host Brighton and Hove Albion in a very crucial match that could decide who wins the Premier League title this season and cannot afford to drop any points if they want to keep tabs with league leaders Manchester City.
The Seagulls are set to have a huge say in who takes the silverware at the end of the month as they’re the only team still to face both second-placed Arsenal and Manchester City, and are fighting for a first-ever taste of European football next season.
Brighton have beaten Arsenal in their last two visits to the Emirates Stadium but since beating them in November, only Manchester City have beaten the Gunners in their own backyard. They have won five of the last six home matches in that run, scoring at least three goals in all of them. They will need that firepower on Sunday.
Roberto De Zerbi has transformed the Seagulls into a more free-flowing attacking outfit, and they’re now on course to securing a landmark European qualification for the first time in their history as they sit 7th on the table with two games in hand.
While speaking to the media in a pre-match press conference, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged De Zerbi’s work at Brighton, calling them a complete side and a joy to watch.
“They are a really complete side. The way they are playing under Roberto and the coaching staff is remarkable, it’s just a joy to watch them play. He’s brought a different idea to the league and that’s a different challenge for managers as well,” Arteta said.
“What he’s done with the team, after all the foundations that Graham Potter left at the club, is incredible. It’s going to be a very tough match.” he added.
Arsenal were 4-2 victors the last time the two sides met in the league. Both teams come into this fixture at the back of a win and a loss, with Arsenal beating Newcastle 2-0 and Brighton losing dramatically against Everton but De Zerbi is focused on recovering from that.
“We are fighting for a big target and we need to push with passion and courage. Arsenal are a great team, they deserve to be fighting for the title and we have big respect for them, but I am only focused on us.” De Zerbi told reporters.
Team news
William Saliba is still unavailable for Arsenal and everyone else is available for Mikel Arteta to line up.
Brighton are without Solly March and Adam Webster but Evan Fergusson is back and available.
