ARSENAL - Home, Falmer years:
17/18 - 23/24 Prem, seasons 7-13 . '13 & '15 FA Cup, seasons 2 & 4 . '22 EFL Cup.
manager: Mikel Arteta (2019) - P180 W = 57.2% @ July '23 . Experience: top player, progressing as head coach.
The Emirates, ave gate; 59.9K, cap; 60K . nickname: Gunners . shirt: red, white sleeves.
Prem Lge record from 11/12 to 23/24; 3, 4, 4, 3, 2, 5 / 6, 5, 8, 8, 5, 2, 1 @ 4/12/23.
Prem recent best finish = 2nd '16, '23 . worst finish = 8th '20, '21.
C21; title - twice, runner-up - 6 times, top four - 10 times, top six - 4 times, top ten - 2 times.
podiums; 22/23 - Man City, Arsenal, Man Utd
15/16 - Leicester, Arsenal, Spurs . 14/15 - Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal . 11/12 - Man City, Man Utd, Arsenal.
Prem points: 70, 73, 79, 75, 71, 75, 63, 70, 56 / 61, 69, 84, 33
recent Managers; Unai Emery (18-19), Arsene Wenger (1996-2018).
23/24 odds at start: title 9-2, top four 4-11 . sack MA 50/1 . expected to finish: top four
run in from 30/3/24: Man City x-x (A), Luton x-x (H), Brighton x-x (A), Villa x-x (H),
Wolves x-x (A), Spurs x-x (A), B'mouth x-x (H), Man Utd x-x (A), Everton x-x (H)
run in *forecast @ 18/3/24: ?pt > *?pts . max was ? . Actual = ? . Po was ? . Actual po = ?
ARSENAL away; Prem.
Seasn . W D L . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm %Pt . W% L%
23/24 - 04 1 1 . 09 03 06 .. 13 1 = 2.16 39.3 . 66.6 16.6 - Mikel Arteta
22/23 - 12 3 4 . 35 18 17 .. 39 2 = 2.05 46.4 . 63.1 21.0 - Mikel Arteta
21/22 - 09 1 9 . 26 31 -05 . 28 5 = 1.47 40.5 . 47.3 47.3 - Mikel Arteta
20/21 - 10 3 6 . 31 18 13 .. 33 8 = 1.73 54.0 . 52.6 31.5 - Mikel Arteta.
19/20 - 4 8 07 . 20 24 -04 . 20 8 = 1.05 35.7 . 21.0 36.8 - Mikel Arteta, finish 27/7/20.
18/19 - 7 4 08 . 31 35 -04 . 25 5 = 1.31 35.7 . 36.8 42.1 - Unai Emery.
17/18 - 4 4 11 . 20 31 -11 . 16 6 = 0.84 25.3 . 21.0 57.8 - Arsene Wenger.
16/17 - 9 3 07 . 38 28 10 .. 30 5 = 1.57 40.0 . 47.3 36.8 - Arsene Wenger.
15/16 - 8 7 04 . 34 25 09 .. 31 2 = 1.63 43.6 . 42.0 21.0 - Arsene Wenger.
14/15 - 10 4 5 . 30 22 08 .. 34 3 = 1.78 45.3 . 52.6 26.3 - Arsene Wenger.
13/14 - 11 2 6 . 32 30 02 .. 35 4 = 1.84 44.3 . 57.8 31.5 - Arsene Wenger.
Albion v Arsenal (H) from 17/18: 2-1, 1-1, 2-1, 0-1, 0-0, 2-4 ? . . W = 2 D = 2 L = 2. F7 A8
scorers: Dunk 2, Murray, Locadia, Maupay, Mitoma, Ferguson.
memorable match: Season7 (H) - goals get a result and these were part of an early learning curve.
note: for away Falmer Years results and reports scroll further below.
Season13, 7th Premier League (H) Sat 6/4/24 - tba
In the January transfer window... tba The run in was now under way and this fixture was Albion's first of four remaining home games. So far visitors habitual away record was - tba. Our Prem record at the Amex versus Gunners was; wdw ldl in six seasons to date. An even series for outcomes. We'd got goals against them from early meetings but more recent results were negative. Current home form was; tba. At the moment Brighton were xth, while Arsenal were xth tba. They had changed managers twice during our Prem years. Based on previous meetings Brighton were looking for a third win here against Arsenal.
*** match report: tba day after result
stats: ht , goals , poss %-%, on target , off target , corners , fouls , yellows , subs , shape
weather: . gate: . MoM:
team:
subs:
bench:
squad: . injured: 7 March 10 Enciso
Prem P32 . W D L . F A . W D L . F A . Pt? Po? = x.xxpt/gm . W = xx% L = xx%
Gunners:
Quatr: Pl . W D L . . . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L%
hfwy: 14 . 10 03 01 . 29 11 18 . 33 1 = 2.35 . 71.4 07.1
start: 10 . 07 03 00 . 23 08 15 . 24 2 = 2.40 . 70.0 00.0 - M Arteta
Ch Lg: Sevilla 1-2 (A) 2-0 (H), Eindhoven 4-0 (H), Lens 2-1 (A) 6-0 (H)
EFL Cup: West Ham 3-1 (A) R4, Brentford 0-1 (A) R3
FA Cup: Liverpool (H) R3
Oct: 2nd in table, 2pts off 1st at Q1.
Season12, 6th Premier League (H) Sat 31/12/22 - L 2-4 ~ Mitoma, Ferguson
The year ended but the Prem hadn't reached the halfway stage (Q1-2) just yet - having restarted on Boxing Day following a pause for the Qatar World Cup '22 finals. Our initial home game versus Gunners right back in Mar '18 was one for the scrapbook (see scroll below) and set a trend for close contests against them at the Amex. Next up was a point gained in Dec '18, followed by a win in Jun '20 but then a first loss in Dec '20. Finally a goalless draw in Oct '21 (seasons 7-11). We'd come a long way from being bottom-six fodder over first four of five seasons since joining the elite league and were hoping to kick on further. A lot depended on home form improving because although we were just ahead by one win for ongoing games against Gunners, Seagulls were still in overall deficit to many other visiting Prem outfits. And it didn't seem to get any easier with each campaign. Albion head coach now was Roberto de Zerbi and he was tasked with improving the squad during coming months of '23. Arsenal spent 120m by start of the season and according to Q1 results this appeared money well spent. Prior to Prem fixtures resuming Albion went to Dubai and Gunners to the UAE for their warm-weather camps during the World Cup '22 finals in December. Gunners successfully took on European opposition there in the Dubai Cup. In Qatar Mac Allister played for Argentina at the WC final. Sanchez, Trossard, Mitoma, Lampiey, Caicedo, Estupinan and Sarmiento were other winter tournament participants at various stages. Now they were back for Prem action - bar Mac Allister who got an extended holiday at home in S America. The January window was opening and Facundo Buonanotte had already signed from Rosario in Argentina.
*** match report: goals went in at 2, 39, 47, 65, 71 and 75 minutes. Unfortunately Albion went three down before replying and then conceded again, netting a second consolation to actually end scoring on the night. All hype concerning our fair record against Gunners went out with the old year when going a goal behind almost after kickoff and from then on it was a hiding to nothing. The difference was visitors expected to score and were dynamic from the word go. Hosts were ponderous and way off the pace, hardly encroaching into the final third. Travellers goals either side of halftime killed off any locals comeback, so as the clock ticked down the game opened out as Gunners play relied on counter attacks. As a matter of record Albion netted a couple, including a first Prem goal for Ferguson. But we were well beat coz you don't get anything for being gallant losers. Media outlets had it as a super goal-spree contest but the truth is there was a collective below par performance by Seagulls starting eleven. And you can't write every goal against off as hard luck, bad rub of the green or VAR splitting hairs. Players will know they made mistakes that cost Brighton a chance to hold league leaders to parity, let alone take their scalp once more. De Zerbi wouldn't criticise afterwards but we hope what he says in private is helpful to putting things into perspective. He has a lot of work to do if anticipating BHA maintain these dizzy heights attained thus far. This campaign isn't yet at the halfway stage and '23 shall tell exactly where Albion are in reality.
stats: ht 0-2, goals 65,77-2,39,47,71 poss 68%-32%, on 5-7, off 4-7, corners 7-4, fouls 7-11, yellows 3-3, subs 3-4, shape 4231-433
weather: windy, dryish . gate: 31,647 . MoM: Mitoma - lively
team: 1 Sanchez 2 Lamptey 5 Dunk 6 Colwill 30 Estupinan 7 March 27 Gilmour 14 Lallana 13 Gross 22 Mitoma 11 Trossard.
subs: 28 Ferguson 60 (11), 19 Sarmiento 60 (14), 20 Enciso 76 (7)
bench: 23 Steele (gk) 29 van Hecke 34 Veltman 43 Turns 49 Moran 71 Hinshelwood
ban: 25 Caicedo . injured: 4 Webster 18 Welbeck . squad: 21 Undav
Prem: P16 . W3 D2 L3 . F13 A10 . W4 D1 L3 . F15 A14 . Pt24 Po8 = 1.50pt/gm . W = 43.7% L = 37.5%
Quatr: Pl . W D L . . . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L%
total: 38 . 26 06 06 . 88 43 45 . 84 2 = 2.21 . 68.4 15.7 - M Arteta
3qtrs: 29 . 23 03 03 . 70 27 43 . 72 1 = 2.48 . 79.3 10.3
hfwy: 19 . 16 02 01 . 45 16 29 . 50 1 = 2.63 . 84.2 05.2
start: 10 . 09 00 01 . 24 10 14 . 27 1 = 2.70 . 90.0 10.0 - M Arteta
Europa Lg: last 16 - Sporting Lisbon 3pen5 1-1 (H) 2-2 (A)
gp - PSV 2-0 (A) 1-0 (H), Bodo 0-1 (A) 3-0 (H), Zurich 1-0 (H) 1-2 (A)
EFL Cup: Brighton 1-3 (H) R3.
FA Cup: Man City 1-0 (A) R4 . Oxford 0-3 (A) R3.
Oct: 1st in table, 4pts up on 2nd at Q1.
Jan: 1st, 8pts above 2nd at halfway stage Q2.
Apr: 1st, 6pts above 2nd at three quarters stage Q3.
May: 2nd, 5pts behind top at Q4. Ch Lg place.
22/23 odds at start: title 50/1, top four 7-4 . Sack MA 20/1. Expected to finish: in top six.
Run in from 8/4/23: Liverpool 2-2 (A), West Ham 2-2 (A), Southampton 3-3 (H), Man City 4-1 (A),
Chelsea 3-1 (H), Newcastle 0-2 (A), Brighton 0-3 (H), Forest 1-0 (A), Wolves 5-0 (H)
Run in *forecast @ 7/4/23: 72pt > *94pts . Max was 99 . Actual = 84 . Po was 1st . Actual po = 2nd
Season11, 5th Premier League (H) Sat 2/10/21 - D 0-0
Albion had gotten good points returns here from Gunners over four previous Prem seasons. But given the north London outfit had needed considerable improvement to regain a top six challenge, Seagulls also required to step up from a habitual bottom six tag. At this early stage it was uncertain which way was direction of travel for each. Albion had started well, while Gunners were actually rock bottom at end of August. Hosts had previously got three additions in for the first team squad and let a few go. Ex-Albion defender Ben White cost Arsenal 50m, adding to Mikel Arteta's doable revamp of a squad under development. No European ties this term either was actually considered a positive by neutrals & others waiting to see if that big metropolitan club could re-establish among the top six - unhindered by fixures overload. Going into this fixture over-achieving Albion were actually ahead of Gunners in the table, so there was all to play for right now.
*** match report: The match finished goalless on a filthy evening for weather. Those fans sitting in lower tiers got full force of squalls blowing into the stad and a soaking to boot. In such wet conditions both sets of supporters witnessed two teams trying to score goals in a contest of Prem quality. Although keeping a clean sheet got us a point, it was lack of putting the ball into the net which cost us the other two by final whistle. Albion had 21 attempts in total so it seeemed logical that one at least would cross the line. But no - Dunk, Maupay, Lallana, Burn, Moder, Trossard, Cucurella, March and Duffy all had a go... for no go. Potter tweaked things late in the day with more attacking purpose but Gunners defended well as a unit and held out. They relied on counters but again Seagulls defence ruled the roost. Potter thought the performance fantastic, was happy we showed personality, intensity and quality and satisfied his side was consistent in recent fixtures. Brighton fans have seen us play worse on a dry pitch and win, so took positives on a night of deluge. It appeared as if things were in the onward & upward category at present and we'd take that going forward, whatever the weather. Not many supporters could have previously ever imagined we are where we are right now.
Stats: ht 0-0, goals nil, poss 58%-42%, on target 2-2, off target 12-5, blocks 7-1, corners 8-5, o/s 1-1, crosses 26-12, tackles 15-7, fouls 8-5, yellows 2-1, subs 2-3, shape 352-4231
weather: wet & windy . gate: 31,266, away 3065 . MoM: Dunk
team: 1 Sanchez, 24 Duffy, 5 Dunk, 33 Burn, 34 Veltman Y, 13 Gross (20 March 84), 14 Lallana, 15 Moder (10 Mac Allister 77),
3 Cucurella, 9 Maupay Y, 11 Trossard . bench: 23 Steele (gk), 2 Lamptey, 7 Connolly, 27 Locadia, 28 Roberts, 30 Richards, 60 Sarmiento.
squad: 12 Mwepu . injured: 4 Webster, 8 Bissouma, 17 Alzate, 18 Welbeck.
Prem: P7 . W2 D1 L1 . F4 A2 . W2 D1 L0 . F4 A3 . Pt14 Po5 = 2.00pt/gm . W = 57.1% L = 14.2%
Quatr: Pl . W D L . . . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L%
Total: 38 . 22 03 13 . 61 48 13 . 69 5 = 1.81 . 57.8 34.2
3qtrs: 29 . 17 03 09 . 44 34 10 . 54 5 = 1.86 . 58.6 31.0
Hfwy: 19 . 11 02 06 . 32 23 09 . 35 4 = 1.84 . 57.8 31.5
Start: 10 . 05 02 03 . 12 13 -01 . 17 6 = 1.70 . 50.0 30.0 - Mikel Arteta
EFL Cup: Liverpool 0-2 (H) 0-0 (A) s-f . Sunderland 5-1 (H) q-f, Leeds 2-0 (H) R4, Wimbledon 3-0 (H) R3, West Brom 0-6 (A) R2.
FA Cup: Forest 1-0 (A) R3.
Oct: 6th in table and 3pts off top four at Q1.
Jan: 4th, 6pts behind 3rd at halfway stage Q2. Out of FA Cup to C'ship side.
Mar: 5th, 5pts off podium at threequarters Q3.
May: finished 5th on 69pts, 2pts off 4th. Qualify for Europa League.
Season10, 4th Premier League (H) Tue 29/12/20 - L 0-1.
Coronavirus restrictions - Tier 3/4 = 0 fans. Attendance was originally selected by ballot for 2000 home fans as per pre-Xmas Tier 2 rating in Sussex. But southeast England got revised to T4 from Boxing Day. Match played behind closed doors.
This fixture was the last game of 2020 - the year of coronavirus. And all empty stadiums nationwide had started when Albion previously hosted Gunners behind closed doors, immediately after restart of the Prem run-in during June last term - see season9 below. Now it was a different kind of ongoing pandemic ball game, where status quo had been rejigged somewhat and elite clubs continued from a delayed start. Brighton fans hoped to see the club progress toward midtable, while Gooners wouldn't settle for anything less than quickly regaining top six status for a kickoff. But presently reality was quite different as both clubs were located in the bottom six and in need of improvement by actually winning games.
*** match report: Albion finished 2020 with another defeat and only one win at the Amex this calendar year - bizarrely versus Gunners (see season9 below). As in other contests this term Seagulls took off and flew during the first half but over ninety minutes allowed opposition to redress balance and put us under pressure. Potter rotated the squad and modus operandi remained the same strategy but alas no end product or clean sheet either. Visitors edged a single goal affair after the hour mark when exploiting defensive frailties from a quick counter attack (66min). Potter responed with attacking changes, although these were to no avail when travellers dug in via extra defenders. So Potter had been out thought and out fought once more and looked dejected at the death. Social media reaction was building to a storm of criticism, which was a far cry from when Tony Bloom extended the then rookie coach's contract into 2025. Brighton fans were looking toward to the January transfer window, more in hope than expectaion. There was a fundamental reason why Albion were not winning and if Potter could fix that then so much the better. If not, the consequences were almost unthinkable as we approached '21 in a state of trepidation... rather than offering resolutions like health, wealth and happiness.
Stats: ht 0-0, goal 66, poss 50%-50%, on target 2-3, off target 11-8, corners 5-4, fouls 11-4, yellows 2-0, subs 3-3. Weather: cold
Team: 26 Sanchez, 34 Veltman, 4 Webster, 5 Dunk Y, 33 Burn, 13 Gross, 8 Bissouma, 24 Propper (9 Maupay 68), 30 Bernardo,
10 Mac Allister (20 March 68), 16 Jahanbakhsh (11 Trossard 75) . Bench: (from 9 subs) 23 Steele, 3 White, 49 Molumby, 7 Connolly, 29 Zeqiri,
18 Welbeck . Squad: 1 Ryan, 17 Alzate . Injured: 2 Lamptey, 14 Lallana . MoM: Bissouma
Prem: P16 . W0 D4 L4 . F7 A12 . W2 D3 L2 . F11 A13 . Pt13 Po17 = 0.81pt/gm. Wins = 12.5%, Loss = 43.7%
Quatr: Pl . W D L . . . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L%
Total: 38 . 18 07 13 . 55 39 16 . 61 09 = 1.60 . 47.3 34.2
3qtrs: 29 . 12 06 11 . 40 32 08 . 42 09 = 1.44 . 41.3 37.9
Hfwy: 19 . 08 03 08 . 23 19 04 . 27 11 = 1.42 . 42.1 42.1
Start: 10 . 04 01 05 . 10 12 -02. 13 14 = 1.40 . 40.0 50.0 - M Arteta.
Europa League: s-f - Villarreal 2-1 (A) 0-0 (H) . q-f - S Prague 1-1 (H) 0-4 (A) . 16 - Olympiakos 1-3 (A) 0-1 (H) .
32 - Benfica 1-1 (A) 3-2 (H) . group - R Vienna 1-2 (A) 4-1 (H), Molde 4-1 (H) 0-3 (A), Dundalk 3-0 (H) 2-4 (A).
EFL Cup: Man City 1-4 (H) q-f, Liverpool 4pen5 (0-0) (A) R4, Leicester 0-2 (A) R3.
FA Cup: Southampton 1-0 (A) R4, Newcastle 2-0 (H) R3.
Nov: at end of the first quarter, Arsenal were only in 14th posn in the table.
Jan: at the halfway stage Gunners were 11th, still mid div.
Mar: threequarters completed and now 9th but 6pts off 6th place.
May: Prem place 8th, missing top six by 4 pts. Europa Lg s-f but not qualified for next comp start in Aug.
Season9, 3rd Premier League (H) Saturday 20/6/20 - 2-1 ~ Dunk, Maupay.
PL suspended until restarted 17/6/20 after Sat 14/3/20 postponed. Revised fixture played behind closed doors without fans attending.
This home match versus Gunners was postponed from mid March due to the Coronavirus outbreak (confirmed then at Arsenal's training ground in London) and subsequent suspension of all Prem fixtures. Originally the game began the run-in period, or last quarter (Q4) until mid May finish. It also marked start of an initially scheduled series of four consecutive Amex fixtures from the very last five, against 'big six' sides - Arsenal, Man Utd, Liverpool and Man City. You really couldn't make it up but all these Prem pre-match notes are written at scheduling of each fixture and reality was that Albion were in a third serious battle against relegation. As a club we'd come a very long way from playing 'home' fixtures at Gillingham in the late 90s and then renting Withdean sports complex for over a decade from start of the 21st century. Nine seasons permanently rehoused at the Amex saw fortunes build substantially on many previous years of Brighton fans campaigning for Falmer. Who remembers the forty note fund instigated just to stay afloat in the mid noughties? Success had been hard won and fans now wanted the current team to fight with an equivalent of death or glory heroics at Hereford, in those aforesaid late nineties gory years. Whether this squad was actually up to Prem standards would be revealed over the run-in during important weeks to come. If not, consequences for Tony Bloom, fellow directors, Graham Potter and coaching staff, were significant to say very least.
Brighton's failure to score enough goals to win any typical PL game was an ongoing problem again this season. In the current campaign Maupay (8 goals to date) was tasked to step into veteran Murray's boots (26 over 3 Prem terms). Playmaker Gross (12 from 3 years) was next highest in total. Duffy (6/3) & Dunk (5/3) made up best tallies from defenders. Meanwhile Izquierdo (5/2) had been long term injured and not available this term. Unfortunately other regular Prem players merely registered spasmodically: March (2/3), Stephens (1/3), Propper (2/3), Kayal (1/2), Jahanbakhsh (2/3). Of the summer 2019 intake; Trossard (3), Webster (3), Mooy (2) and Connolly (2) at least showed promise if accumulating sufficient apps overall.
Restart of the Prem under current pandemic resrictions now allowed the use of five subs on field from a 20 man matchday group.
* * * match report: Albion came from behind to claim victory with a goal during final seconds of an open and competitive match. The first half remained goalless but Potter put March on for the second period and reshaped to 541. But this alteration seemed to have backfired when Gunners opened the scoring with a quality effort to the top corner following a counter attack (68min). Potter then threw on Montoya and Connolly to up the ante at back & front. Dunk poked in from a scramble after a corner and Albion were back on track (75min). Stephens next came on late and Mac Allister even later in injury time. At the death Maupay bagged the winner from a Connolly assist (90+5). The Brighton fans went berserk... sat at home of course, or wherever they were watching or listening live broadcasts from the empty stadium. You couldn't make it up for pure surreal. Other results in the bottom six went for us and suddenly Seagulls had a five point gap above the drop zone. One down and eight to go.
Stats: shape 4312-4213, ht 0-0, goals 75,95-68, poss 41%-59%, on target 5-6, off target 2-3, blocks 2-4, o/s 0-4, crosses 25-22, corners 10-8, tackles 22-8, fouls 13-8, yellows 2-1, subs 5-5 (5/9) . MoM - Dunk . Gate - 0 . Weather - sunny & warm.
1 Ryan, 21 Schelotto (22 Montoya 70), 15 Webster, 5 Dunk, 33 Burn Y, 13 Gross (44 Connolly 70), 24 Propper, 8 Bissouma (10 Mac Allister 94), 18 Mooy Y (20 March 46), 11 Trossard (6 Stephens 86), 7 Maupay . Subs (5/9) - 27 Button, 2 Lamptey, 4 Duffy, 17 Murray.
Squad - 16 Jahnbakhsh, 25 Kayal, 30 Bernardo, 46 Alzate . Injured - 19 Izquierdo.
Prem: P30 . W5 D6 L4 . F19 A16 . W2 D5 L8 . F15 A25 . Pt32 Po15 = 1.06pt/gm. Wins = 23.3%, Loss = 40.0%
Quatr: Pl . W D L . . . F A GD . . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L%
Total: 38 . 14 14 10 . 56 48 08 .. 56 08 = 1.47 . 36.8 26.3 - M Arteta, finish 27/7/20.
3qtrs: 29 . 09 13 07 . 40 39 01 .. 40 09 = 1.37 . 31.0 24.1 - M Arteta. PREM SUSPENDED
Hfwy: 19 . 05 09 05 . 25 28 -03 . 24 11 = 1.26 . 26.3 26.3 - U Emery.
Start: 10 . 04 04 02 . 15 14 01 .. 16 05 = 1.60 . 40.0 20.0 - U Emery.
Europa League: 32 - Olympiakos 2-1 (H) 1-0 (A). Group - Frankfurt 1-2 (H) 0-3 (A), S Liege 4-0 (H) 2-2 (A), Vitoria SC 3-2 (H) 1-1 (A).
EFL Cup: 4th rnd - Liverpool 5pen4 5-5 (A), 3rd rnd - Forest 5-0 (H)
FA Cup: Chelsea W 2-1 final, Man City W 2-0 s-f, Sheff Utd 1-2 (A) q-f, Portsmouth 0-2 (A) R5, Bournemouth 1-2 (A) R4, Leeds 1-0 (H) R3.
Aug: outside top four on goal difference, which hangs in balance.
Oct: cannot break into top four and four points adrift by end of first quarter Q1.
New Year: had slumped to mid div, so changed manager. Qual for last 32 of Eu Lg.
March: in 9th place when PL suspended - Manager had Covid-19 virus. Into FAC last eight.
July: disappointing league finish, out of top six for first time. FA Cup winners.
Season8 2nd Premier League (H) Wednesday 26/12/18 - 1-1 ~ Locadia.
The Boxing Day fixture involving 'local' opposition fell for us to host Gunners on this particular annual yuletide occasion. And pay tv turned up with festive fans for a tea-time kickoff to boot. So far this campaign at fortress Amex, against big top-six sides, we'd beaten Man Utd 3-2 but lost to both Spurs 1-2 and Chelsea 1-2. Also the Xmas match marked reaching the halfway stage and thus taking stock of stats prior to a quick turnaround for beginning reciprocal fixtures. Albion were in mid-table but there certainly was no room for complacency now, for fear of a reducing a useful points gap with those few clubs placed below.
* * * match report: Albion rescued a vital point after falling behind very early from kickoff. They failed to clear lines in the area, lost the ball which went over to an unmarked bloke and bang, we were one down already (7min). So the initial plan for containment had been torn up and now the game was being chased to boot. Shortly afterwards Murry bundled the ball in but REf blew for a foul on the keeper (24m). Hosts were again on the back foot but suddenly got lucky from visitors deep corner. Propper smacked it up field, a defender headed it backwards and Locadia ran on to round the keeper (35min). In the second period Seagulls were much better value for cost of tickets but could not convert any of the chances created. Montoya & Murray got booked as the team battled to share points but it was never a dirty game. Andone & Knockaert got on late in the day with BHA still plugging away, more in hope than skill, for a possible winner. But truth be told, Albion flattered to deceive against top-six opposition there for taking. Hughton said, 'we showed great character to get back into the game. They had more possession but we were a bigger threat to score. You cannot underestimate the quality they have got and a draw will always be a very good result.' Brighton fans went home fairly pleased, being comfortable that teams below us were held at bay and a 10 point gap developed to those clubs struck adrift in the drop zone.
Stats; shape 451-433, h-t 1-1, goals 35-7, poss 32%-68%, on target 3-4, off target 7-1, corners 4-9, fouls 10-4, yellows 2-1, subs 2-3.
Gate 30,608, away 2953 . MoM - Locadia . Weather - cloudy, cool, dry.
1 Ryan, 22 Montoya Y, 4 Dunk, 14 Balogun, 30 Bernardo, 20 March, 6 Stephens, 24 Propper, 9 Locadia (11 Knockaert 86),
13 Gross, 17 Murray Y (10 Andone 79) . Subs - 27 Button, 2 Bruno, 3 Bong, 7 Kayal, 8 Bissouma.
Prem P19 . W4 D3 L2 . F14 A11 . W2 D1 L7 . F7 A16 . Pt22 Po13 = 1.15pt/gm. Wins = 31.5%, Loss = 47.3%
Quatr: Pl . W D L . . . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L%
Total; 38 . 21 07 10 . 73 51 22 . 70 5 = 1.84 . 55.2 26.3 - Unai Emery
3qtrs; 29 . 17 06 06 . 61 39 22 . 57 5 = 1.96 . 58.6 20.6
Hfwy; 19 . 11 05 03 . 41 25 16 . 38 5 = 2.00 . 57.8 15.7
Start; 10 . 07 01 02 . 24 13 11 . 22 4 = 2.20 . 70.0 20.0 - Emery.
Europa League; final - lost to Chelsea 4-1, s-f - Valencia 3-1 (H) 2-4 (A), qf - Napoli 2-0 (H) 0-1 (A), 16 - Rennes 3-1 (A) 3-0 (H),
32 - Bate 1-0 (A) 3-0 (H), Group stage - Vorskla Poltava 4-2 (H) 0-3 (A), Qarabag 0-3 (A) 1-0 (H), Sporting 0-1 (A) 0-0 (H)
EFL Cup; q-f - Spurs 0-2 (H), 4th rnd - Blackpool 2-1 (H), 3rd rnd - Brentford 3-1 (H)
FA Cup; 4th rnd - Man Utd 1-3 (H), 3rd rnd - Blackpool 0-3 (A)
Aug; a top four place would underline credentials of both the manager & squad. Seventh would be a disaster.
October; challenging for top four and success in Europa Lg. Still in EFL Cup.
New Year; 5th place regular without quite cracking top four. FA Cup progress.
March; in a four way contest for 3rd place. Europa Lg q-f.
Season7 1st Premier League (H) Sunday 4/3/18 - 2-1~ Dunk, Murray.
Another lunchtime kickoff for Brighton fans at the Amex, this occasion being a Sunday, meant missing a hot roast meal to boot. But the match versus perennial tv-worthy Gunners was sold out just the same. Results with regard to the top six played here to date were: Man City 0-2, Liverpool 1-5 & Chelsea 0-4. So although those 3 defeats from 14 fixtures at home wasn't calamitous for this threequarters stage of the campaign, remaining unbeaten at the community stadium would go a long way toward ensuring survival in the PL during the run-in. Of course, Brighton fans were mindful that Spurs & Man Utd were the very last two PL fixtures scheduled to come at the Amex. Home form so far was: P14 W5 D6 L3 F19 A20 Pt21 = 1.5pt/gm or 67.7% of overall points tally. On the day the ground was packed and atmosphere electric.
* * * match report: This BHA win will go down in Amex history as the biggest to date, in terms of defeating a top six club at last. Albion opened the scoring when Duffy headed a Gross corner into the feet of Dunk (7min). Hosts then doubled the lead prior to half an hour gone when Gross put a dipping centre straight onto Murray's head (28min). Visitors next pulled one back before the interval in a crowded goalmouth (43min). During the second period Gunners ruled possession & basic stats but couldn't add to their single score. Schelotto had to go off after being knocked cold soon after he & Stephens got booked. Murray joined them in the book as Seagulls put in a shift all over the park. March & Kayal turned up to help out with defensive duties during closing stages while locals hung on to the lead. But all told, Albion had played some useful football and got the result by sheer hard work and a little flair to boot. Hughton said, 'our place in the league is comforting but we are professional and will be in Monday focused on the next game. Start thinking you are better than you are, there are other teams around who can knock you off that.' Brighton fans realised Hughton was the man to thank for steering Albion to mid table and were also very grateful he knew how to get best out of the whole squad at this level.
Stats; shape 4411-4231, ht 2-1, goals 7,28-43, poss 32%-68%, on target 6-7, off target 5-2, corners 6-11, o/s 6-0,
fouls 13-12, yellows 3-3, subs 3-3 . Gate 30,620 (away 2991).
1 Ryan, 21 Schelotto (2 Bruno), 22 Duffy, 5 Dunk, 3 Bong, 11 Knockaert (20 March), 6 Stephens, 24 Propper,
19 Izquierdo, 13 Gross (7 Kayal), 17 Murray.
Prem P29 . W8 D10 L11 . F28 A38 . Pt34 Po10 = 1.17pt/gm . Wins = 27.5%, Loss = 37.9%
Quatr: Pl . W D L . . . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L%
Total; 38 . 19 06 13 . 74 51 23 . 63 6 = 1.65 . 50.0 34.2 - Arsene Wenger.
3qtrs; 29 . 13 06 10 . 52 41 11 . 45 6 = 1.55 . 44.4 34.4
Hfwy; 19 . 10 04 05 . 34 23 11 . 34 6 = 1.78 . 52.6 26.3
Start; 10 . 06 01 03 . 19 13 06 . 19 5 = 1.90 . 60.0 30.0
Aug - top four & also further reach Europa League final stages, plus later robust FA Cup holders defence.
New Year - lagging behind schedule in 6th place and dumped out of FA Cup by a Championship side.
March - adrift of the top five. Beaten EFL Cup finalists. FA Cup early exit shock. Europa League QF.
ARSENAL PREVIOUS PREM;
Seasn . W D L . . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L%
22/23 - 26 06 06 . 88 43 45 . 84 2 = 2.21 . 68.4 15.7 - Mikel Arteta @ 28/5/23
Led the div from early on for many months but came up short during the run in.
21/22 - 22 03 13 . 61 48 13 . 69 5 = 1.81 . 57.8 34.2 - Mikel Arteta @ 22/5/22
Improved on last 2 terms, 6pts off podium and got a Europa League place back.
20/21 - 18 07 13 . 55 39 16 . 61 8 = 1.60 . 47.3 34.2 - Mikel Arteta @ 24/5/21
Finished season well but failed to reach top six, or Europa final - which meant no more Euro footy either.
19/20 - 14 14 10 . 56 48 08 . 56 8 = 1.47 . 36.8 26.3 - Mikel Arteta. PL SUSPENDED, complete @ 27/7/20
Failure is perhaps not the word in view of managerial change. Well adrift of top four/five for first time.
18/19 - 21 07 10 . 73 51 22 . 70 5 = 1.84 . 55.2 26.3 - Unai Emery
Just missed the top four in a close four way battle by usual suspects. Runners up in all English Europa League final didn't exactly sweeten taking the medicine.
17/18 - 19 06 13 . 74 51 23 . 63 6 = 1.65 . 50.0 34.2 - Arsene Wenger.
The Frenchman had been there for 2 decades which is unique anywhere in the game. However last season's finish was considered below par, when all those previous years are examined in detail.
16/17 - 23 06 09 . 77 44 33 . 75 5 = 1.97 . 60.5 23.6 - Arsene Wenger.
The obvious thing about their final placing was missing out on Champions League participation but Prem League form was good enough for that previously in terms of points obtained.
15/16 - 20 11 07 . 65 36 29 . 71 2 = 1.86 . 52.6 18.4 - Arsene Wenger.
As title runners-up and Champions League participants yet again, what was all the fuss about? Well, what strong competition did they really have from other top-six clubs then? And who won the league anyway? There you go!
14/15 - 22 09 07 . 71 36 35 . 75 3 = 1.97 . 57.8 18.4 - Arsene Wenger.
Gunners got the FA Cup for the 12th time but it was a decade ago that red-shirts finished in the elite's top two. And their ongoing Champions League record remained mediocre at best.
13/14 - 24 07 07 . 68 41 27 . 79 4 = 2.07 . 63.1 18.4 - Arsene Wenger.
Arsene Wenger had been around the block many times but couldn't quite get hands on the title again, although they won the FA Cup, to gain a first trophy for 9 years.
12/13 - 21 10 07 . 72 37 34 . 73 4 = 1.92 . 55.2 18.4 - AW
11/12 - 21 07 10 . 74 49 25 . 70 3 = 1.84 . 55.2 26.3 - AW
FA CUP from 11/12; 5th rnd, 5th, winners, winners, q-f, winners, 3rd, 4th, winners, 4th, 3rd, 4th.
LEAGUE CUP; q-f, q-f, 4th rnd, 3rd, 4th, q-f, runner-up, q-f, 4th, q-f, s-f, 3rd, 4th.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE; last 16, last 16, last 16, last 16, last 16, last 16, nq, nq, nq, nq, nq.
EUROPA LEAGUE; nq, nq, nq, nq, nq, nq, s-f, final, last 32, s-f, nq, last 16.
* * * * * * * * * *
Arsenal - home, Falmer years 12/13 & 14/15.
Season4 (H) 25/1/15 FA Cup r4 - L 2-3 ~ O'Grady, Baldock.
Well, well... Albion had gotten to the fourth round again (in every year - based at the Amex) and had drawn Gunners once more. But look at the changes in two years since our initial meeting in 2013 (see below). Brighton fans were long since used to 25k+ crowds at the community stadium but although vast majority were season ticket holders, recently gaps had appeared in seating blocks as the team struggled in the Championship. Seagulls now had a fourth Amex manager in Chris Hughton, who came in at New Year to replace Sami Hyypia when he resigned prior to Xmas. Of the side that lined up a couple of seasons earlier, Ankergren, Greer, Calderon, LuaLua and CMS remained but the rest were dispersed. Bridcutt & Buckley were at Sunderland with Gus Poyet, while Barnes, Hammond & Ulloa also played in the Prem for Burnley & Leicester. In run up to this tie, Albion had struck form at last with w3d2l1 from last six league matches, while fifth placed Gunners had beaten Prem chasers Man City away. At the Sunday teatime k-o a crowd of 30K+ made it the biggest attendance to date.
Albion were knocked out again with the same score as two years previously. But got beat from Gunners first attack and were always chasing this tough tie. Poor marking allowed a shot on target (2min). Then the Prem outfit turned the screw and went two up before half an hour. Visitors sliced open the defence with accurate passing as Seagulls stood and watched again (24min). At the break, words were said and Albion finally got into gear for the second period. First O'Grady converted a knock down by Baldock (50min). Then the big boys notched again before the hour mark, with a snap shot (59min). Hughton withdrew Bruno and pushed men forward in support of O'Grady. With fifteen minutes left Baldock chipped the keeper to set up a dramatic finish (75min). Colunga got on late as BHA pressed for an equaliser, although an earlier double sub by visitors gave them plenty of options to add to the score. Hughton said, 'we knew it would be tough to win but ran them close. I would have preferred a replay but our first half performance didn't allow us that. We were closer in the second half, more physical and stretched the game a bit.'
Stockdale, Bruno (March), Greer, Dunk, Bennett, Ince, Forster-Caskey (Colunga), Ince, Calderon, O'Grady, Baldock.
Season 2 (H) 26/1/13 FA Cup r4 - L 2-3 ~ Barnes, Ulloa.
To get this far, Albion had beaten Newcastle in r3 at the Amex just after New Year. We next drew one the top clubs in the country and when nearly 4k away support wanted to come, extra seating was bolted onto new concrete spaces inside our community stadium. It was part of ongoing work in progress to increase capacity up to 30k and in the event, 27k turned up on a fairly pleasant winter afternoon - new crowd record. Gus Poyet included Leonardo Ulloa to start, following belated international clearance since he signed a week beforehand. Most of the squad was fit, injury free, available for selection and he now had Vicente in reserve for sub during final minutes.
Brighton went one down, just over a quarter of an hour gone, from a quick counter (16min). Barnes equalised with a header from a David corner and battle recommenced (33min). But crucially Greer was lost coz of injury and BHA had to reshuffle (36min). Calderon went to cent-def and David was right back. On the restart Buckley was missing and so Poyet's sub options were already very limited. Arsenal dominated the second period and took the lead before the hour mark (57m). Then Ulloa pulled it level again with a diving header from Barnes cross (63m). He ran out of puff and was replaced with fifteen minutes left. Prior to his leaving, Arsenal double subbed with two England Internationals and they swung it toward the Prem outfit. Their winner came after Ankergren punched the yellow ball straight to a free red shirt (85m). It was the killer blow and no way back for Seagulls now. Gus said, 'we had a great chance but lost two players. We did as well as we could really.' Despite defeat it was good knockout entertainment and Gus was sure to have learnt a few more things about his Championship side.
Ankergren, Calderon, Greer (Dicker), El-Abd, Bridge, David, Bridcutt, Hammond, Buckley (LuaLua), Ulloa (Mackail-Smith), Barnes.
Seasons 1-6 - not C'ship.
* * * * *
Withdean Era - no meetings in 12 seasons between 1999 to 2011.
|
Arsenal - away, Falmer years:
17/18 - 23/24 Prem, seasons 7-13 . '22 EFL Cup, season 12.
ARSENAL @ home; The Emirates.
Seasn . W D L . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm %Pt . W% L%
23/24 - 06 2 0 . 20 08 12 .. 20 1 = 2.50 60.6 . 75.0 00.0 - Mikel Arteta
22/23 - 14 3 2 . 53 25 28 .. 45 2 = 2.36 53.5 . 73.6 10.5 - Mikel Arteta
21/22 - 13 2 4 . 35 17 18 .. 41 5 = 2.15 59.4 . 68.4 21.0 - Mikel Arteta
20/21 - 08 4 7 . 24 21 03 .. 28 8 = 1.47 45.9 . 42.1 36.8 - Mikel Arteta.
19/20 - 10 6 3 . 36 24 12 .. 36 8 = 1.89 64.2 . 52.6 15.7 - Mikel Arteta, finish 27/7/20.
18/19 - 14 3 2 . 42 16 26 .. 45 5 = 2.36 64.2 . 73.6 10.5 - Unai Emery.
17/18 - 15 2 2 . 54 20 34 .. 47 6 = 2.47 74.6 . 78.9 10.5 - Arsene Wenger.
16/17 - 14 3 2 . 39 16 23 .. 45 5 = 2.36 60.0 . 73.6 10.5 - Arsene Wenger.
15/16 - 12 4 3 . 31 11 20 .. 40 2 = 2.10 56.3 . 63.1 15.7 - Arsene Wenger.
14/15 - 12 5 2 . 41 14 27 .. 41 3 = 2.15 54.7 . 63.1 10.5 - Arsene Wenger.
13/14 - 13 5 1 . 36 11 25 .. 44 4 = 2.31 55.7 . 68.4 05.2 - Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal v Albion (A) from 17/18: 2-0, 1-1, 1-2, 2-0, 1-2, 0-3, ? . . W = 3 D = 1 L = 2 . F8 A7
scorers: Murray, Webster, Maupay, Trossard, Mwepu, Enciso, Undav, Estupinan.
memorable match: Season11 (A) - sometimes the game-plan, display and execution all come together on the day.
note: for home Falmer Years results & reports scroll further up.
Season13, 7th Premier League (A) Sun 17/12/23 - 2:00pm
Back during mid summer pre-season build-up Arsenal played in Germany, drawing with Nurnburg 1-1. They then had 3 friendlies in America - beating MLS Stars 0-5 and Barcelona 5-3 but losing to Man Utd 0-2. Prior to the Prem kickoff they hosted Monaco 1-1 before beating Man City 4pen1 1-1 in the Community Shield. This fixture followed Seagulls sixth Europa League group match - tba. Meanwhile hosts had just completed their Champions League group. Albion were 6th (62pts) and Gunners 2nd (84pts) last term, giving a 22pts -ve difference. Since joining the elite, Brighton had finished 15, 17, 15, 16, 9, 6, while Arsenal were 6, 5, 8, 8, 5, 2. Hosts were runners-up in '23 after leading the div for majority of their season. Our Prem record at the Emirates versus Gunners was; ldw lww over six seasons to date. Half that series were BHA wins. We'd got goals there on four PL occasions too. Current away form was; tba. Going into this pre-Xmas match BHA were xth and the north London outfit were xth tba. And they had spent 209m in the Aug transfer window on 3 buys and an on loan. Hosts boss Milel Arteta had... tba. Based on previous meetings Brighton were now looking for a third straight win at Arsenal.
*** match report: tba 24 hr after result
stats: ht , goals , poss %-%, on target , off target , corners , fouls , yellows , subs , shape
weather: . gate: . MoM:
team:
subs:
bench:
squad: . injured: 7 March 10 Enciso
Prem P17 . W D L . F A . W D L . F A . Pt? Po? = x.xxpt/gm . W = xx% L = xx%
Season12, 6th Premier League (A) Sun 14/5/23 - W 0-3 ~ Enciso, Undav, Estupinan
This fixture was moved back to Sunday teatime in order to accomodate pay tv coverage. Good returns across five previous Prem seasons encouraged more expectation for Seagulls at the Emirates (see away scroll below). We'd lost initially in Oct '17, drew in May '19, were first victorious in Dec '19, suffered a second defeat in May '21 but won again there in Apr '22 (seasons 7-11). And we'd knocked Gunners out of the EFL Cup as well at theirs last November - see below. The squad had changed a lot from early campaigns and perhaps had much more quality overall these days. At this late stage of the season Gunners were chasing City for the title, while Albion were hot on heels of Spurs in 6th and Villa in 7th, with 3 games in hand on both above us prior to kickoff. But a relentless schedule during the run-in had taken its toll on the small BHA squad via injuries and unpredictable form. Results had been mixed and we'd become something of a Jekyll & Hyde team, where you did't know which one would actually turn up on the day. And we still had to play Newcastle (A) (3rd), Man City (H) (1st) and Villa (A) (7th) in a very tough finish to an incredible campaign to date.
*** match report: notes on each game are usually (if not entirely) posted on the day after play - when perhaps Brighton fans are more rational. So lets not get ahead of ourselves - especially if you read this as part of reviewing our sixth Prem campaign. Taking emotions out of it, Seagulls recorded an eighth away victory to put us back on track for a top six spot. Following a goalless first half, full of physicality and offensive actions from both elevens, the opening goal would be crucial to the scoring side. And after chances by each outfit it was Enciso who headed in first from an Estupinan assist (51mins). Visitors continued to put pedal to metal and thwarted hosts attempts to level. Past the hour mark De Zerbi introduced attacking subs at intervals. Then Undav was quickly rewarded by lobbing the stranded keeper when Gross nicked the ball in the final third (86mins). Estupinan got his first of the season from being on hand to pop home a rebound off Undav's effort at the death (96mins). De Zerbi said, 'I am very lucky to be their coach and happy they enjoy working with me.' You can say that again Roberto! Seagulls support on the road was over the proverbial moon, while fans in Sussex, exiles elsewhere, international fans groups and others worldwide swamped social media with plaudits and congratulations. It was an evening to remember at home & abroad, dare we say on the cusp of completing our greatest year ever. So now go to Newcastle (A) to see if dreams were still coming true.
stats: ht 0-0, goals 51,86,96, poss 41%-59%, on 2-6, off 12-6, corners 5-2, fouls 13-17, yellows 1-2, subs 5-3, shape 433-4231
weather: sunny . gate: 60,139 . MoM: Estupinan - tireless and scored too.
team: 23 Steele 25 Caicedo 5 Dunk 6 Colwill 30 Estupinan 22 Mitoma 13 Gross 27 Gilmour 20 Enciso 10 Mac Allister 28 Ferguson
subs: 18 Welbeck 60 (27), 40 Buonanotte 77 (28), 21 Undav 82 (20)
bench: 38 McGill (gk) 29 van Hecke 26 Ayari 42 Offiah 49 Moran 51 Peupion
injured: 2 Lamptey 4 Webster 7 March 14 Lallana 19 Sarmiento 34 Veltman . squad: 15 Moder
Prem: P34 . W9 D3 L5 . F33 A19 . W8 D4 L5 . F33 A26 . Pt58 Po6 = 1.70pt/gm . W = 50.0% L = 29.4%
Season12, EFL Cup R3 (A) Wed 9/11/22 - W 1-3 ~ Welbeck, Mitoma, Lamptey
This draw was one of seven all Prem clashes of the 16 ties in R3 - from 19 PL clubs left in the ongoing evening competition. The big six entered at this stage and 5 of 'em had Prem opposition to face. In the recent past Albion stumbled when meeting elite level outfits but we usually got past lower league clubs in earlier rounds - this year Forest Green. The question on Brighton fans lips asked whether our new coach Roberto de Zerbi would play a regular Saturday first eleven or mix things up a bit by starting some bench players. There appeared little to be gained from including loadsa U21s on fringes, as would be usual against lesser opposition. Gunners were er, going great guns this term and had sufficient squad depth to rotate a team on the night. Seagulls seemed a tad light in 1st 11 group numbers, relying heavily on an experienced settled side thus far in league matches. So De Zerbi checked the injury list and found he'd a full complement available for selection. The line-up he turned out came as something of a surprise to travelling support.
*** match report: Albion knocked Gunners out and went into the hat for the fourth round draw. Congratulations went to those players who stepped up and also Roberto for his belief and in encouraging that very sense in youngsters coming off fringes. Hosts went ahead from a counter attack (20mins), although visitors had early chances too. Welbeck was then brought down and he got up to convert the spot kick (27mins). RdZ made two alterations in m-f immediately after the interval knowing we had to up our game. Seagulls came under plenty of pressure but Steele showed he could cope when put to the test. Just prior to the hour mark Mitoma finished a great move to stun locals against run of play (58mins). Blue & white were defending throughout but held firm and with twenty minutes or so left established a two goal cushion. Lamptey broke thru on the left and slotted past defenders & keeper (71mins). More subs arrived from each outfit but RdZ was up to speed and Albion saw it out ok without conceding again. It was a selection & tactical masterclass that baffled opposition and the wider world watching but produced a telling victory on the night. Albion's style was quick, direct and employed one-touch football which did the biz. Our young talent did good considering their relative inexperience but our head coach was rewarded for having every faith in their abilities. Headlines classified it as a shock k-o, tho Brighton fans knew we'd more than matched the big-six second 11 over 90+ minutes. And when their big gun subs got on late BHA proved our squad levels were up to that challenge as well. These qualities should be taken into the next round - where 9 from 15 remaining other clubs in the draw were potential Prem opponents. BHA were ball no.3 and drawn last, got to visit Charlton for the next tie in December.
weather: mild . gate: 59,233 away 6530 . MoM: Steele - kept 'em out
stats: ht 1-1, gls 20-27,58,71, poss 57%-43%, on t 4-4, off t 18-9, corners 7-2, fouls 12-8, yellows 2-2, subs 5-5, shape 4231-442
team: 23 Steele, 34 Veltman, 5 Dunk, 6 Colwill, 2 Lamptey, 7 March, 27 Gilmour, 25 Caicedo, 19 Sarmiento, 20 Enciso, 18 Welbeck
subs: 13 Gross 45 25, 22 Mitoma 45 7, 4 Webster 60 5, 30 Estupinan 76 20, 21 Undav 79 19
bench: 1 Sanchez 28 Ferguson 43 Turns 49 Moran
squad: 10 Mac Allister 11 Trossard 14 Lallana
Season11, 5th Premier League (A) Sat 9/4/22 - W 1-2 ~ Trossard, Mwepu.
The last quarter Q4 was under way and Albion were well short of reaching our Prem seasons best total of 41pts. Indeed we still required 7pts to equal that record final tally, with eight games to go, at a tad less than 1.00pt/gm. Previous away results over four consecutive visits to the Emirates had been reasonable when comparing differences in status at this level. The ongoing challenge was how might Albion further close that gap at this formative stage of the run in. Everything hinged on keeping a clean sheet and maybe bagging a rare goal in yet another campaign that produced a meagre return in goals scored. Meanwhile Arsenal had made a bid for getting into the top four places and possibly onto the podium if closing a big 5pt gap by the death.
*** match report: Albion grabbed an important victory with a gutsy display that produced two goals in open play. Trossard netted the first following a long ball out by Dunk to Mwepu and a cross (29). Just prior to halftime VAR chalked off hosts equaliser for offside in a melee from a corner. After the interval visitors went two up against run of play when Mwepu's half volley finished a move from debutant Caicedo's cross (67min). Gunners got a late consolation when pressing hard and pushing travellers back in last ditch defence (89min). Potter took plaudits for team selection, shape, flexibility in and out of possession and use of subs. Brighton fans sang their hearts out in delight at a deserved win, although experiencing those last few moments were some kind of mental torture. But Lady Luck helped tip balance our way when locals hit bar & post and missed other opportunities to level. Followers of blue & white didn't care though, being happy only to score more than home opposition and get the 3pts. BHA actually moved up the table and virtually assured Prem participation next term via arithmetic - with this first April win at elite level.
Stats: ht 0-1, goals 89-28,67, poss 65%-35%, on target 4-3, off target 5-4, blocks 11-1, corners 11-2, crosses 23-10, o/s 2-2,
tackles 9-20, fouls 12-19, yellows 3-4, subs 2-3, shape 433-352
weather: sunny intervals . gate: 60,112 (away 2982) . MoM: Caicedo - on debut.
team: 1 Sanchez Y, 34 Veltman, 5 Dunk, 3 Cucurella, 12 Mwepu (2 Lamptey 76), 13 Gross Y, 8 Bissouma Y (14 Lallana 73),25 Caicedo Y,
10 Mac Allister, 11 Trossard (4 Webster 84), 18 Welbeck . bench: 23 Steele, 9 Maupay, 17 Alzate, 20 March, 57 Offiah, 60 Sarmiento.
squad: 24 Duffy, 28 Roberts . injured: 15 Moder.
Prem: P31 . W3 D6 L7 . F10 A20 . W5 D7 L3 . F18 A17 . Pt37 Po11 = 1.19pt/gm . W = 25.8% L = 32.2%
Season10, 4th Premier League (A) Sun 23/5/21 - L 2-0
Covid restrictions: 10k home fans only (post-lockdown, T3/4/5 = 0 fans, 2k home fans @ Tier 2). Discussions for H & A crowd numbers were finalised at 10k home only total. So no BHA away fans actually got to visit.
This was the very last fixture of Albion's delayed fourth Prem season but again held on that traditional Sunday afternoon in May - albeit later than usual for the final month. Brighton fans much earlier had hoped for better away form throughout this term, especially having got a right result here on our last visit. It had almost set a precedent that big-six sides should be opposed on a level playing field and thus wrest control away from home advantage - especially in empty stadiums during the coronavirus pandemic of 20-21. On this last day previous covid restrictions were lifted and so roars from a live domestic crowd would now play their part in proceedings. Albion had confirmed being in the Prem next term and conversely could actually play with freedom against a team who had similarly disappointed fans at their anticipated level throughout this current campaign.
*** match report: At end of the day Albion got beat and so completed another term in the Prem as a bottom six club. Seagulls hardly did themselves justice, in a tame affair at the sparsely populated Emirates, to round off their season. Two goals were conceded following nil-nil at the break and both strikes were preventable (49 & 60 mins). A lacklustre away attack also meant our defence was always up against it, which allowed hosts plenty of opportunities to create serious chances. The fact Albion did not score was yet more evidence of lack of quality in this area of the pitch - problematic thru all this campaign. Potter made changes of personnel immediately after the intermission and went to 541 from 433 in later stages. But nothing really worked well as our fourth term petered out with a wimper. Brighton fans knew what the squad needed by way of additions, although probably not funded by a panic fire-sale in early June. Supporters realise what a tough league this is, however if you don't cut the mustard there is more prospect of time running out and bottom six eventually becoming bottom three. Goals win games and we had to get a striker to help shoulder that necessary responsibility.
Stats: ht 0-0, goals 49,60, poss 54%-46%, on target 5-1, off target 11-4, o/s 2-1, corners 11-3, fouls 10-8, yellows 0-0, subs 3-3, shape 4132-433 . Weather: cool
Team: 26 Sanchez, 3 White, 4 Webster, 5 Dunk, 33 Burn, 13 Gross, 8 Bissouma, 15 Moder, 16 Jahanbakhsh (14 Lallana 45), 10 Mac Allister
(17 Alzate 66), 11 Trossard (7 Connolly 45) . Bench: 23 Steele, 61 McGill, 6 Karbownik, 17 Alzate, 22 Tau, 25 Caicedo, .
Squad: 19 Izquierdo, 21 Andone . Injured: 2 Lamptey, 18 Welbeck, 20 March, 24 Propper, 34 Veltman . Ban: 9 Maupay . MoM: Dunk
Prem: P38 . W4 D9 L6 . F22 A22 . W5 D5 L9 . F18 A24 . Pt41 Po16 = 1.07pt/gm. Wins = 23.6%, Loss = 39.4%
Season9, 3rd Premier League (A) Thur 5/12/19 - W 1-2 ~ Webster, Maupay.
We'd gotten into December already, to begin those regular six fixtures during the last calender month right up to New Year. This match was chosen for select pay tv broadcast, although late k-o rescheduling seemed unlikely to prevent a fairly sizable evening crowd attending at fortress Emirates - their manager had recently been sacked to boot. Meanwhile Graham Potter was rewarded with a new 2yr contract extension for er, being as good as Chris Hughton. But it was tough anywhere on that long road anytime as well, BHA having just visited Liverpool at very end of November. Thereafter Seagulls going on to play Palace & Spurs, again both away, falling either side of Xmas. So feelings among Brighton fans were quite mixed when entering another festive build up period of proverbial Prem proportions. Going into the match away form was P7 W1 D1 L5 F6 A13 GD-7 = 0.57pt/gm, so getting anything here would be a nice bonus. The trouble was, Potter had many of his preferred first eleven lacking enough PL apps to make a deep dent in order of events from k-o. It seemed a kinda work in progress and constant setbacks par for the course right now. From the first two PL seasons; Ryan, Dunk, Stephens & Propper as well as Montoya still figured regularly, while Duffy, Gross & Murray usually sat on the bench. March was often injured and Bong didn't make the 18. Others like Bissouma, Bernardo, Balogun, Jahanbakhsh, Schelotto & Izquierdo were mostly on fringes.
* * * match report: Guess what? Yeah, Albion actually scored twice and won the game. Gunners were below par as per recent successful seasons and lost their unbeaten home record to boot. Seagulls led just before the interval when Webster netted after a corner routine (36min). Hosts equalised after turnaround at their own corner play, which was yet another soft goal conceded on the road by visitors (50min). VAR then chalked off an offside 'winner' for locals after lino didn't raise the flag. But travellers absorbed rest of opponents threats & forays while the clock ticked down toward 90+ min. Potter put on fresh legs late in the day and it changed the game back toward BHA taking attacking initiative. Maupay headed the winner from a Mooy cross to grab all 3pts from a spirited display. Potter was delighted, Brighton fans were ecstatic, while the Press concentrated on Arsenal's fall from the team they once were. But check stats below to reveal Albion were always in with a chance of collecting the win from excellent numbers registered. The only other away victory to date was on day1 at Watford, who were now rock bottom. What BHA had to do in future was get more positive results at clubs that weren't struggling for one reason or another. Only a Seagulls side with all round defence/offence capabilities/abilities would be able. Watch this space.
Stats; ht 0-1, goals 50-36,80, shape 433-442, poss 49%-51%, on target 5-9, off target 4-5, blocks 2-6, corners 9-9, o/s 7-0,
fouls 10-11, yellows 3-1, subs 3-3 . Gate 60164, away 2968 . Weather - mild . MoM - Alzate.
1 Ryan, 46 Alzate (4 Duffy 88), 15 Webster, 5 Dunk, 33 Burn, 13 Gross Y (11 Trossard 80), 6 Stephens, 24 Propper, 18 Mooy, 7 Maupay,
44 Connolly (22 Montoya 76) . Subs - 27 Button, 30 Bernardo, 8 Bissouma, 17 Murray.
Squad - 3 Bong, 14 Balogun, 16 Jahanbakhsh, 21 Schelotto . Injured - 19 Izquierdo, 20 March.
Prem P15. W3 D2 L2 F10 A8 . W2 D1 L5 F8 A14 . Pt18 Po13 = 1.20pt/gm. Wins = 33.3%, Loss = 46.6%
Season8 2nd Premier League (A) Sun 5/5/19 - 1-1 ~ Murray.
This was the last away match of the second PL season. But had been moved to a Sunday game, for reasons involving Gunners latest Europa League ties. So Brighton fans knew relevant Saturday Prem results and these all made for good news. It meant Albion with 2 fixtures left, already had enough points to remain in the divison for at least another term. And what a relief as they had been thru a very tough April indeed. Since early March BHA failed to score in 6 of 7 fixtures - losing 5, merely drawing the other 2 and conceding 13 times!
* * * match report: Seagulls went one down again, inside 10 minutes, from a spot kick. Ref considered Jahanbakhsh had brought down his man but replays threw doubt on this incident (9min). Until halftime the crowd was waiting for floodgates to open but BHA held out against odds. Ryan got called upon to make 3 vital saves just prior to the interval to keep visitors in the game. Hughton put Knockaert on for the second period and travellers began to get forward. At the hour mark March broke up field and was tripped in the area. Murray converted the subsequent penalty (61min). Andone replaced him with time running out but Seagulls were still competitive from back to front. At the death they were counterattacking to delight Brighton fans urging them on. Hughton said, 'the performance was certainly more like us. Credit to the lads for adjusting well. We had to dig deep and thoroughly deserved the result.' Brighton fans also went home happy, which hadn't happened too many times lately this campaign for sure. At end of the day the negative trend was reversed and fans sensed the club would be working hard on a serious squad overhaul for our 3rd PL season, now only 3 months ahead.
Stats; ht 1-0, goals 9,61, shape 4312-451, poss 70%-30%, on target 8-5, off target 5-4, corners 16-3, o/s 2-4, fouls 9-14, yellows 5-2, subs 3-3. Gate 59,965 . Weather - dry & cool . MoM - March.
1 Ryan, 2 Bruno, 4 Duffy, 5 Dunk Y, 30 Bernardo, 16 Jahanbakhsh (11 Knockaert 45), 6 Stephens, 8 Bissouma, 20 March,
13 Gross Y (7 Kayal 92), 17 Murray (10 Andone 78) . Subs - 27 Button, 3 Bong, 33 Burn, 9 Locadia.
Prem P37. W6 D5 L7 F18 A24 . W3 D4 L12 F16 A32 . Pt36 Po17 = 0.97pt/gm. Wins = 24.3%, Loss = 51.3%
Season7 1st Premier League (A) 1/10/17 - L 2-0.
Yet another BHA debut Prem fixture got chosen for pay tv audiences, in this case on a Sunday lunchtime in London. But nobody really expected Albion to do anything but be colourful cannon fodder on the field today. Thus far Chris Hughton's battling side had plundered a point on average per game, although six from those seven in total were gained at the Amex to date. A goalless draw at Watford and defeats at Leicester & Bournemouth showed Brighton fans what was required to get any points away from home. Seagulls hadn't been beaten out of sight but visiting one of the rich top-six clubs was taking things to higher level all round. And to complicate issues, there was an immediate striker shortage, due to Hemed being banned and both Murray & Baldock still visiting the treatment table. On the day, Murray made it to the bench. So in-experienced Chelsea on-loan youngster Izzy Brown was converted from a wideman to no.9.
* * * match report: Albion predictably got beat and were under the cosh for most of the game. Visitors didn't tally enough shots on target to break an away FTS hoodoo and conceded twice when hard pressed in the area. Gunners went ahead when Seagulls were all over the shop trying to clear as the ball bounced around (16min). The second came from another melee when the ball squirmed out to an unmarked red shirt (56 min). Hughton put on Schelotto, Murray & Knockaert in quick succession three quarters of the way through this one way contest. BHA finished stronger but merely prevented a bigger score rather than reducing the deficit. Hughton said, 'it was a spirited performance, I couldn't accuse the lads not giving everything. We could have shown a little bit more on the ball and been adventurous.' Brighton fans enjoyed being at the big stad but that novelty would wear thin if more displays like this left us short of both vital goals and points.
Stats; shape 3421-433, h-t 1-0, goals 16,56, poss 66%-34%, on target 11-1, off target 14-5, corners 6-5, o/s 1-0, f-k 7-8, yellows 0-2, subs 3-3. Gate 59,378 (away 2996).
1 Ryan, 2 Bruno, 22 Duffy, 5 Dunk, 3 Bong, 6 Stephens, 13 Gross, 24 Propper, 20 March (21 Schelotto),
37 Brown (17 Murray), 19 Izquierdo (11 Knockaert).
Prem P7 . W2 D1 L4 . F5 A9 GD -4 . Pt7 Po14 = 1.00pt/gm . Wins = 28.5%, Loss = 57.1%
* * * * *
Falmer years, 2011 to 2017 - no visits to the Emirates.
Withdean era, 1999 to 2011 - no visits to either Highbury or the Emirates.
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