Arsenal were humbled by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Wednesday night as the Gunners lost 3-0. Mikel Arteta’s men put in a toothless performance as his return to the Etihad ended in an embarrassing scoreline for the North London side.
The Gunners are currently in 9th and failing in their race to finish in the top 6. Arteta’s side will face Brighton next on Saturday, who are themselves in a relegation battle. The Seagulls had won the won fixture at the Emirates, winning the game 2-1.
Let’s take a look at 3 things Arsenal need to change against Brighton:
#1 Keep their shape
Arsenal’s defending was disastrous in the game against Manchester City – and that’s being kind to the North London team.
The Gunners allowed the reigning Premier League champions to take a whopping 20 shots on goal in the game, and the scoreline flatters Arsenal’s performance. David Luiz made a right mess at the back after coming on for Pablo Mari.
The Premier League side will somehow have to improve their defence in the next two days, even though they will face a team who are not as good as Manchester City. The first 30 minutes against Manchester City were not the worst, so they need to replicate the discipline.
Mari is set to miss the game, while Luiz will be suspended, which leaves Arteta with just Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis.
#2 Play Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang upfront
Arteta’s gamble of playing youngster Eddie Nketiah against Manchester City did not work. Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hardly had any chances and registered only two of three shots on goal that Arsenal attempted. The experienced striker has to be moved up front to give the Gunners a better chance of scoring goals.
Brighton have a far better defence than the other teams around them, conceding just 40 goals in 29 games. The Gunners will have to use their most experienced forward upfront, and shift teenager Bukayo Saka to the left midfield position, and bring back Nicolas Pepe in Saka’s place on the right side.
#3 Bring back Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil did not even make the 20-man squad for the game against Manchester City, which took many by surprise.
The German has not had his best season at the North London club, but for the wages that he earns and the lack of creativity that is there in this Arsenal side, it is expected to at least keep him as an option on the bench.
After their woeful performance against City, Ozil should return to the squad to add some creativity to the side.
Granit Xhaka is set to miss the game due to injury, which could be a blessing in disguise for Arteta, as it would allow him to a two-man midfield and Ozil playing ahead of the two midfielders. Ozil is not in form, but the Gunners need a creative spark to make things happen, which the German could offer.