Scouting report: This is Arsenal's main weakness and this is how Brighton exploit it

Despite a surge in form under Mikel Arteta Brighton and Hove Albion will be confident of completing the Premier League double against Arsenal this Saturday at the Amex Stadium.
Adam Webster scores against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last DecemberAdam Webster scores against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last December
Adam Webster scores against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last December

Since the new year, the Gunners have the second-best record in the league but still look shaky when it comes to defending set-pieces and winning aerial duels.

Brighton, who are two points above the drop zone, may be looking at Saturday’s game a lot more optimistically than they were last week.

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Albion’s victory at the Emirates last December – thanks to goals from Adam Webster and Neal Maupay – was one of highlights of their season and will also give them confidence.

Brighton striker Aaron Connolly caused problems for the Arsenal defence during Albion's 2-1 triumph at the Emirates last DecemberBrighton striker Aaron Connolly caused problems for the Arsenal defence during Albion's 2-1 triumph at the Emirates last December
Brighton striker Aaron Connolly caused problems for the Arsenal defence during Albion's 2-1 triumph at the Emirates last December

After their draw at Champions League chasing Wolves and a shaky performance from Arsenal - despite their win against West Ham, it looks like another Brighton upset is not completely out of the question, especially when you consider Arsenal, under Arteta, have still not won away in the league.

Arsenal are undefeated in the Premier this year but after narrow victories against Everton and West Ham, who both exposed the visitors’ weaknesses, Brighton will feel encouraged.

Over the last four games Arsenal have conceded four goals from crosses or set-pieces.

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This could work into the hands of Graham Potter who has the likes of Dan Burn, Lewis Dunk, Shane Duffy, Glen Murray and Adam Webster who can bully the Arsenal defence at corners.

Brighton head coach Graham Potter congratulates his players after victory at ArsenalBrighton head coach Graham Potter congratulates his players after victory at Arsenal
Brighton head coach Graham Potter congratulates his players after victory at Arsenal

Along with an aerial weakness, Arsenal have struggled at times to execute Arteta’s ‘play it out from the back’ philosophy and the side were caught out by West Ham on a couple of occasions on the weekend.

It must be said that although they have shown these flaws Arsenal boast the joint-best defensive record in the league this year conceding just six goals.

There are definitely areas that Brighton can manipulate but there is no denying that Arsenal can pose a threat. One of the side’s greatest qualities is their patience in breaking down defences.

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Usually with a splitting pass, Arsenal with crack open a defence after waiting for their chance which leaves fans reminiscing about life under Arsene Wenger when the side treasured possession.

Another quality Arsenal have is that they are not afraid to take a shot from distance, but Brighton’s priority should be stopping that killer pass that the Gunners have found since Arteta’s arrival.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with 17 goals this season, is an obvious threat but a player who Brighton will have to keep their eye on is Bukayo Saka.

The 18-year-old made his league debut in January last year but has really come onto the scene this season playing 29 games already across all competitions.

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Saka, who can play at left-wing or left-back, has proven his worth this season scoring three goals and helping his team with 10 assists. When given the chance he can find that killer pass while he also possesses the ability to glide around defenders if they give him the chance.

This allows the youngster to be a dangerous player on the break and he could be key for Arsenal.