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[THREAD] How Brighton beat Arsenal: Analysis
1. Nullifying Guendouzi
2. Using set pieces
3. Opposite movements from strikers
#BHAFC
![[THREAD] How Brighton beat Arsenal: Analysis1. Nullifying Guendouzi2. Using set pieces 3. Opposite movements from strikers #BHAFC](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EbHVpYnXgAIgZx0.jpg "[THREAD] How Brighton beat Arsenal: Analysis1. Nullifying Guendouzi2. Using set pieces 3. Opposite movements from strikers #BHAFC")
1. Nullifying Guendouzi
2. Using set pieces
3. Opposite movements from strikers
#BHAFC
1. Guendouzi provides Arsenal’s pivot in buildup play, with their back 3 rarely stepping in with the ball and instead preferring to progress through passing.
Trossard screened Guendouzi excellently in the first half.
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Trossard screened Guendouzi excellently in the first half.
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Per game, Guendouzi averages 52 passes received and progresses the ball 282 yards towards the opposition goal.
On Saturday he received just 40 passes and progressed the ball just 177 yards - 5 Arsenal players progressed the ball further.
Stifled.
#BHAFC
On Saturday he received just 40 passes and progressed the ball just 177 yards - 5 Arsenal players progressed the ball further.
Stifled.
#BHAFC
Consider that Arsenal had ~60% possession, it shows how well Brighton prevented Guendouzi from getting on the ball.
Per game he is involved in possessions averaging 0.34xG, but on Saturday was only involved in possessions totalling 0.16xG.
#BHAFC
Per game he is involved in possessions averaging 0.34xG, but on Saturday was only involved in possessions totalling 0.16xG.
#BHAFC
2. Using set pieces
These were highlighted pre-match as a key tool to beat Arsenal, considering they are one of the worst in the league at defending them, and Brighton are one of the strongest attacking set piece sides.
#BHAFC https://twitter.com/albionanalytics/status/1273905210226851841
These were highlighted pre-match as a key tool to beat Arsenal, considering they are one of the worst in the league at defending them, and Brighton are one of the strongest attacking set piece sides.
#BHAFC https://twitter.com/albionanalytics/status/1273905210226851841
Full analysis on Brighton’s attacking set piece threat. 
https://medium.com/@albionanalytics1/war-and-set-piece-brightons-outstanding-ability-to-create-but-not-convert-from-set-pieces-aa773535f58f
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https://medium.com/@albionanalytics1/war-and-set-piece-brightons-outstanding-ability-to-create-but-not-convert-from-set-pieces-aa773535f58f
#BHAFC
Brighton attempted exploit gaps between zonal markers with Gross on the pitch - given his set piece quality.
Though, understandably after 3 months off, his delivery was a bit rusty.
The aerial route proved fruitless.
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Though, understandably after 3 months off, his delivery was a bit rusty.
The aerial route proved fruitless.
#BHAFC
Instead, Brighton unlocked Arsenal’s 4-man zonal set-up through a short corner.
Trossard linked up with March to create a 2v1 to play him in-behind.
Maupay on Martinez meant he had to be marked, with his marker failing to step up + playing March onside.
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Trossard linked up with March to create a 2v1 to play him in-behind.
Maupay on Martinez meant he had to be marked, with his marker failing to step up + playing March onside.
#BHAFC
From there - you know the rest - but it was a clever move from Potter to look to play in-behind Arsenal’s zonal set-up.
Dunk was equally clever to react at speed to score. That goal puts him top of the English centre-back pile from a G/A perspective.
#BHAFC https://twitter.com/albionanalytics/status/1274414181580787714
Dunk was equally clever to react at speed to score. That goal puts him top of the English centre-back pile from a G/A perspective.
#BHAFC https://twitter.com/albionanalytics/status/1274414181580787714
3. Opposite movements from strikers
Brighton used ‘opposite movements’ from Connolly and Maupay effectively in the reverse fixture, too, primarily with Maupay dropping in + Connolly running in-behind.
#BHAFC
Brighton used ‘opposite movements’ from Connolly and Maupay effectively in the reverse fixture, too, primarily with Maupay dropping in + Connolly running in-behind.
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The benefit of the opposite movements is that they disjoint the back line - a striker dropping in is likely to encourage the opposite CB to move with them to keep them marked.
This creates space in behind for the runner.
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This creates space in behind for the runner.
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Maupay’s ability to drop in to receive has been nothing short of quality this season - it was covered in an entire packing thread.
#BHAFC https://twitter.com/albionanalytics/status/1261305773717688325
#BHAFC https://twitter.com/albionanalytics/status/1261305773717688325
Therefore, the tactical decision to switch the players movements’ was clever, with Connolly playing in Maupay.
You’ll notice how high Arsenal’s line is too, which makes this pattern of play even more effective.
#BHAFC
You’ll notice how high Arsenal’s line is too, which makes this pattern of play even more effective.
#BHAFC
Maupay leaving the ball late confuses the defenders and leaves them flat flooted - Maupay makes up the ~3 yard gap to Mustafi by the time he’s entered the box.
Of course, the Frenchman’s acceleration helps him here, too.
#BHAFC
Of course, the Frenchman’s acceleration helps him here, too.
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The finish is by no means an easy one either - though it’s still a good quality chance (0.19xG).
On his *weak* foot it’s an even better finish, though Maupay has proved himself incredibly versatile when finishing this season.
#BHAFC https://twitter.com/albionanalytics/status/1274434290168860672
On his *weak* foot it’s an even better finish, though Maupay has proved himself incredibly versatile when finishing this season.
#BHAFC https://twitter.com/albionanalytics/status/1274434290168860672
A delightful ball from Mac Allister too - straight to Connolly’s back foot.
His ability to combine with a 9 was covered in a scout report on him.
#BHAFC https://twitter.com/albionanalytics/status/1274382015777865728
His ability to combine with a 9 was covered in a scout report on him.
#BHAFC https://twitter.com/albionanalytics/status/1274382015777865728
Interestingly - the movements and pattern are incredibly similar to Connolly’s chance at Newcastle.
This just goes to show the entire move was by no means random or a fluke, but instead incredibly well rehearsed and practiced.
#BHAFC
This just goes to show the entire move was by no means random or a fluke, but instead incredibly well rehearsed and practiced.
#BHAFC
Of course, there were some fantastic individual performances against Arsenal too - particularly from Yves Bissouma.
You can see all the players performances by numbers in this thread.
#BHAFC https://twitter.com/albionanalytics/status/1274629189589663744
You can see all the players performances by numbers in this thread.
#BHAFC https://twitter.com/albionanalytics/status/1274629189589663744
