Whilst the 3-2 scoreline may flatter Brighton in terms of how the game went, it leaves a small cause for concern once again regarding the Arsenal back line.
The Gunners got off to flyer as Theo Walcott gave them the lead in the 1st minute after some great work from Chambers down the right hand side. His quick feet allowing him to break into space before a smart cross picked out Walcott who smashed home from inside the box. Özil made it 2-0 after 24 minutes, a neat reverse through ball from Rosicky found him just inside the box and he clinically put it away, and it looked like the Gunners were on for comfortable win. However, Arsenal appeared to take their foot off the gas, settling for the deserved two-goal lead as the half drew to a close.
Brighton came out in the second half looking rejuvenated after probably being somewhat relieved to only be 2 down. With the crowd roaring them on, they reduced the deficit to one as Arsenal’s oh-so-famous complacency kicked in once again. A rash clearance from Rosicky, followed by a lackluster jump from Chambers left Flamini far too tight to Brighton’s O’Grady and he took full advantage, thumping his finish through the legs of Laurent Koscielny and smartly into corner before Szcesney could react. Their first shot on target. Nervous chatter filled the pub I was in, and it looked like Arsenal fans were bracing for the worst.
Brighton’s onslaught continued until a tenacious run from Rosicky, teamed with a delightful chipped return from Giroud, lead to Arsenal’s third as the Czech smashed home from 18 yards. That nervous chatter turned to sigh’s of relief as it looked like Arsenal were back in control after their short lapse in concentration. With the third goal appearing to ‘wrap it up’ for Arsenal, Wenger rung the changes with Giroud and Walcott being replaced by the youngster, Chuba Akpom and Alexis Sanchez.
The like for like changes didn’t affect Arsenal’s shape, but once again a lack in concentration left a gaping hole at the back. A simple through ball sliced it open and Baldock neatly chipped over the onrushing Szcesney once again narrowing the lead to just one.
Some sloppy passes followed and the mood changed for the Gunners. Brighton had them pressed back in their own half and an animated Arsene Wenger took to his feet and introduced Coquelin as a ploy to sure up the defence. Thankfully for the Frenchman, it paid off and they hung on for a 3-2 victory, but the frailties at the back showed why Gabriel Paulista will be welcomed at the Emirates with open arms.
On the back of a disciplined defensive performance at the Etihad, the Gunners seemed to slip back into a complacency that’s become so familiar. Having said that, there were plenty of positives to take from the game. Walcott looked sharp before he was removed and Özil’s goal is bound to boost the confidence of the returning German. Tomas Rosicky donned the captains armband and orchestrated from the 1st minute to the 94th. A goal, an assist and Man of the Match a just reward for his magnificent performance. Alexis’ brief cameo further reinforced the ability of the fan-favourite as he came close, hitting the woodwork, and narrowly missing with three free kicks late on.
Most importantly, Arsenal are in the hat for the next round and continue their defence of the cup, a lot more than can be said for a number of Premier League teams. With Chelsea, Man City and Tottenham losing, those two shocks have opened up the draw and the Gunners stand a real chance of retaining the Cup.
