Arteta Praises Arsenal Dominance Over Brighton Despite Injury Woes
Sports Updated: 27 December 2025 21:08 EAT
Arsenal gaffer Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta said he was pleased with Arsenal’s overall display after the narrow win against Brighton And Hove Albion, praising both the individual and collective performance while admitting the scoreline did not reflect the dominance his side showed.
“Very happy with the performance. Individually and collectively, so dominant, we had a big threat. So very pleased with all of that,” Arteta said, before stressing that Arsenal should have put the game to bed much earlier.
“But the margin should have been much bigger. I mean, with the amount of situations, chances, open chances that we generated through the game. It should never be a 2-1,” he added, pointing to missed opportunities that kept the contest alive.
Arteta noted how quickly the game can turn in the Premier League, highlighting that the opposition scored with their first real effort and later forced David Raya into another crucial save. “But that's the Premier League, that’s the step we have to make,” he said.
Despite those moments, the Arsenal manager was encouraged by how his team managed adversity. “What I like is that we're having a lot of issues with dealing with it in an incredible way,” he explained, referencing the growing injury list.
Arteta revealed that Arsenal were hit again before kick-off, with Riccardo Calafiori injured in the warm-up following Jurrien Timber’s setback a day earlier. Declan Rice was forced into an unfamiliar role at fullback. “And you see the performance that he put in. So that's the spirit and that's how much our players want it,” Arteta said.
Asked how long Arsenal can cope with the injury problems, Arteta was realistic but hopeful. “I don't know, at the moment, we survived six months. So let's see. There's another five and a half to go. So hopefully, things will get better,” he said.
He also delivered some positive news on the fitness front, confirming Gabriel Magalhães’ return ahead of schedule. “The medical staff, I think they've done an incredible job,” Arteta said, praising both the player and the staff.
Arteta believes the challenges have strengthened the group, citing Rice’s willingness to play anywhere asked. “You speak to Declan and tell him he needs to play there as a right winger. And he said, ‘OK, I'm up for a challenge. I'm going to do my best,’” he said.
Looking at the title race and responding to Manchester City’s results, Arteta remained focused on Arsenal’s own work. “We can only control what we do,” he said, adding that with more players returning and the schedule tightening, “every three days is going to be a challenge, and we are up for it.”
Tags: Arsenal Fc Brighton Fc English Premier League Epl Signstvkenya
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