- Arsenal are on the verge of equalling their Premier League record of 26 wins in a season.
- Brighton have set new club top-flight records this season for most points, wins, and goals scored.
- Injuries to key players could influence the game, with Oleksandr Zinchenko possibly missing for Arsenal and Solly March and Adam Webster out for Brighton.
Arsenal are set to host Brighton this Sunday as the Premier League heads into its final few games. This Arsenal v Brighton preview brings you all the up-to-date news, insights, and expected outcomes from this match.
Manager Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side are on the brink of equalling their Premier League record of 26 wins in a season, last achieved by the Invincibles in 2003-04.
However, Brighton, who have set new club top-flight records this season for most points, wins, and goals scored, are not a side to be underestimated.
The Gunners will need to adjust their backline due to Oleksandr Zinchenko’s calf injury incurred during their victory at Newcastle United.
While he’s not ruled out for the rest of the season, Kieran Tierney is expected to step up to the left-back position for Sunday’s clash.
Meanwhile, William Saliba’s absence continues to affect Arsenal’s win rate, dropping to 50% from 78% when he is on the pitch.
Brighton, on the other hand, will miss Solly March and Adam Webster due to injuries. There is the possibility of Evan Ferguson coming into the starting line-up, marking his first start since mid-April.
Brighton’s resilience against top teams has been commendable, and their approach against Arsenal will be fascinating. Their recent 5-1 loss to Everton, a game where they struggled with Everton’s narrow midfield, is unlikely to dent their confidence.
Arsenal’s recent form at home is imposing, with five wins in their last six games and a record of scoring at least three goals each time.
Finally, Leandro Trossard, who moved from Brighton to Arsenal in January, has been a pivotal figure for the Gunners, providing eight assists – the joint-most of any player since his arrival and he will be keen for a good performance against the side that discarded him.
Martin Odegaard’s Captain’s Notes
In his programme notes ahead of the home match against Brighton & Hove Albion, the skipper talks about the commitment and team-work that’s behind his prolific form this season.
Odegaard’s partnership with Granit Xhaka on the pitch has been influential to his scoring streak. The dynamic between the two players is evident as Odegaard speaks highly of Xhaka’s ability to set up scoring opportunities. “As soon as I see Granit attack the space on his left side I always know he going to put the ball in,” he says, highlighting the trust and understanding that exists between them.
The Norwegian international is proud of his tally so far this season, but his hunger for goals remains high. “I never set myself targets at the start of the season,” he reveals, “I just want to focus on what I can do, and that’s being in the right areas at the right time.”
His constant push for improvement is seen in his admission of missed opportunities. But rather than dwell on them, Odegaard sees them as areas of potential growth. He acknowledges the role of practice in his development as a finisher and expresses optimism about continuing to improve in this aspect of his game.
In discussing his fellow players, the captain shows his leadership. He points out how players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson, and Granit Xhaka have stepped up this season, enhancing Arsenal’s unpredictability and making it harder for opponents.
Looking ahead to the Brighton game, Odegaard noted the Seagulls’ strengths and admits that the clash will be a challenging one.
However, he’s confident that the home advantage and the support of Arsenal fans will be key factors in securing a victory.
