Arsenal beat Luton Town 2-0 at the Emirates and defeated Brighton 3-0 at the American Express Stadium. These wins, along with Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford, mean that Arsenal is at the top of the league once again. Playing Brighton away is tricky, but the Gunners handled business professionally for the most part in both games. Arsenal’s excellent form helps motivate fans to buy related merchandise, as well.
Let’s dive deeper into these wins.
Arsenal 2024 Part 40: The Defense Kept Clean Sheets in Both Games
The Gunners kept clean sheets in both games. Luton Town only managed a single shot on target and Brighton and Hove Albion only got two shots on target. David Raya did make one excellent save against Brighton, but he was largely untroubled in these two games.
That is a testament to the defense. Saliba, Gabriel, and Ben White played well in both of these games. They shut down the opposition’s attacks, won headers, made blocks, and were composed on the ball when necessary. Zinchenko played well against Luton Town but did struggle a bit defensively against Brighton and Hove Albion.
It is likely that Jakub Kiwior will replace Zinchenko at left-back when Arsenal host Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Even so, Arsenal’s defense is playing incredibly well. Arsenal have now kept five consecutive clean sheets away from home in the Premier League.
This defense is at the heart of the success Arsenal have enjoyed so far this season.
Arsenal 2024 Part 40: Arsenal’s Midfield Controlled Both Games and Dominated Possession Against Luton Town
Arsenal had 58% possession against Luton Town. The Gunners’ midfield trio of Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith-Rowe, and Thomas Partey ensured that Arsenal controlled the vast majority of that game. Odegaard scored Arsenal’s opening goal skillfully against Luton Town. He now has 14 goal contributions in the Premier League this season.
Partey shielded the backline and ensured that Luton Town had very few chances to trouble Arsenal. Partey was composed on the ball and made some great passes. Thomas Partey did tire a bit in the second half, but this is understandable given his recent lack of game time.
Emile Smith-Rowe is the most surprising inclusion in the midfield in this game. Smith-Rowe contributed indirectly to the first goal, winning the ball back and driving Arsenal forward before Odegaard scored. Additionally, Smith-Rowe’s pass is what led to the Luton Town own goal that sealed the victory for the Gunners.
Odegaard also played well against Brighton, although he didn’t have a goal or an assist in that game. Jorginho returned in place of Smith-Rowe and provided the assist for Kai Havertz’s goal. Jorginho helped Arsenal control the game from midfield.
Declan Rice was excellent against Brighton. Rice protected the backline, won many duels, and nearly scored a fourth for Arsenal against Brighton. Rice continues to justify the enormous fee Arsenal paid for him in the summer.
Arsenal Were Clinical Enough in Both Games
Arsenal’s attack is now just as good as the defense, with the Gunners having scored 75 goals in the Premier League so far this season. The Gunners scored twice against Luton and had four shots on target in total. It is worth noting that Arsenal played a much-changed starting lineup against Luton and still won comfortably.
On a similar note, Arsenal had seven shots on target and scored three goals against Brighton. Bukayo Saka scored Arsenal’s first goal from the penalty spot after Gabriel Jesus did well to win the penalty. Saka now has 30 goal contributions in all competitions so far this season. He calmly scored the penalty in what was a bit of a pressure situation.
Speaking of Jesus, he did work hard but he was wasteful in front of goal. Jesus could have put Arsenal comfortably ahead by halftime. He did do well to win the penalty.
Leandro Trossard deserves praise for his performance. Trossard grew into the game and scored an excellent goal to seal all three points for Arsenal. The Brighton fans booed Trossard throughout the game, but Trossard had the last laugh against his former team.
Kai Havertz is the star of Arsenal’s attack against Brighton, though. Havertz scored Arsenal’s second goal from close range before providing the assist for Trossard’s goal. Havertz now has 14 goal contributions in the Premier League, a personal best for him. Havertz has started to prove many people wrong and hopefully, he continues to do just that.
8/10 and 9/10 Manager Ratings for Mikel Arteta
Arteta receives an 8/10 manager rating for the 2-0 win against Luton Town. Arteta was able to rotate players and Arsenal still won comfortably. The defense was excellent, although the attack could have been more clinical.
Arteta receives a 9/10 manager rating for the 3-0 win against Brighton and Hove Albion. The Gunners defended quite well again, controlled the game for the most part, and were a bit more clinical in front of goal. Substituting Trossard on for Jesus also proved to be the correct decision. Mikel Arteta did well in both of these matches.
Arsenal Host Bayern Munich in the Champions League Next
The busy April schedule continues for Arsenal with an important match against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. The Gunners host Bayern Munich at the Emirates. Given Bayern’s current form and Arsenal’s dominance at home, it is reasonable to expect an Arsenal victory in this game.
Check back next week for more Arsenal content.