Arsenal is coming into this match on the back of a first victory against a reigning English Premier League champion since 2002 away from home and the first victory against a top four side away from home since 2004. The smiles on the faces of the players as well as Arsene Wenger told the story of a ninety minutes in which almost everything worked out perfectly. The Gunners had less than 40 percent possession; their entire approach to this match was un-Arsenal-like.
Yet, they showed exactly what a tactically trained Arsenal side is capable of. They nullified City's threat, using City's lack of a focal point to their advantage. They had two fast players lining up on each flank. A penalty from the excellent Santi Cazorla and a second goal from Olivier Giroud (an impressive header) saw the Gunners through. There were some worrisome moments but Arsenal held out and finished strongly. Francis Coquelin and Hector Bellerin had a match to remember.
Wenger will be hoping to give some of his tired troops a rest in his side's upcoming match in the FA Cup. He will have to be wary of the opposition considering Chelsea and City's exits to lower tier opposition as well as Manchester United's draw against Cambridge. Alexis Sanchez, excellent in almost every match he plays, is in desperate need of rest. Wenger can give the likes of Mesut Özil and Theo Walcott a chance to build up match fitness in this one. Who will start in goal is questionable, considering David Ospina has displaced Wojiech Szczesny; the Pole might be the one starting this match instead of the Spaniard.
Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby, Matthieu Debuchy and Mikel Arteta are out. Danny Welbeck is a slight doubt; he might start up front in the event that he is fit. As for the opposition, Jake Forster-Carskey, Greg Halford and Craig Mackail-Smith are doubtful.
Can Brighton pull off a surprising victory? Who will win this crucial match? Interested in learning how you can watch the 2014-15 English FA Cup? Check out our FA Cup Page.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
Brighton & Hove Albion 2 - 3 Arsenal
January 25, 2015 11:00amThe American Express Community Stadium (Brighton, East Sussex)This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
