Brighton make it nice being married to an Arsenal-supporting wife
Unfortunately, I was not able to be at the Emirates Stadium to watch the Albion against Arsenal in the third round of the League Cup. Instead, my Arsenal-supporting wife and I settled down to listen over the airwaves to Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall on BBC Radio Sussex.
When it was announced that Roberto De Zerbi had made eight changes, I was excited. It was an opportunity for the guys coming in to really shine and show what they can do.
Both benches looked strong, with Arsenal having first choice players named as substitutes just as Brighton did. If the starting line up found themselves in difficulty, then De Zerbi had support to call upon from the bench.
I had a great feeling about this game. The lack of television coverage highlighted how lucky we are to have Johnny, Warren and host Adrian Harms keeping those of us who were at home up to date with all the hot news from North London.
Warren reported before kick off that only half of the pitch was being watered. At the time, we were not aware which, if any, team may benefit.
Surely, it was all dependent on which captain won the coin toss? It seemed a strange approach to take as Arsenal could not guarantee which way they would be kicking.
The Gunners kicked things off going from left to right as Johnny and Warren saw it. I was quite amused about the commentator comments of having their view blocked by Arsenal fans taking their seats after the game had started.
It must have been frustrating; imagine trying to do your job of telling thousands of people back in Sussex what is happening on the pitch, but you cannot see the pitch for bodies and burgers in front of you.
On the same subject, I can never really understand why people near me at the Amex arrive after the game has kicked off.
Then they get up and push past after 35 minutes have gone, do not return until the 55th minute and often leave before the final whistle blows. “What is the point?” I ask myself and then the penny drops – booze!
The 6,500 Albion supporters who had made their way to North London could be heard loud and clear over the airwaves.
If Brighton were to win, they would get to witness a bit of history – the Seagulls had never beaten Arsenal in the League Cup before. Turns out this has been quite the year for breaking records.
Neither team seemed as well-oiled as they have been in the Premier League. That was to be expected, I suppose, given all the changes both De Zerbi and Mikel Arteta had made.
There were several early chances per side. Julio Enciso for Brighton sounded as if he was determined to make his mark, being heavily involved in one of those early issues.
Arsenal took the lead in the 20th minute with a great break down the right. Watching the highlights, there appeared to be a clear foul on Jeremy Sarmiento which went completely ignored.
Reiss Nelson was able to drive forward and play the ball left to Eddie Nkeitiah, who side footed over Jason Steele into the far post. Arsenal led 1-0 and my wife was at least happy!
Seven minutes later and I was the one cheering. A good pass from Enciso fed Solly March and he spotted the forward run of Danny Welbeck.
A perfect weighted through ball sent Welbeck away and into the box. Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein on his debut came out and brought down Welbeck.
Referee Jarred Gillet did not need a second to think about it, pointing to the spot. With no VAR, the referee’s word was final and Welbeck placed the ball beautifully to the right to score a great penalty.
The score remained 1-1 up to the halfway point. It sounded like Arsenal were getting closer and closer to a second after the restart, hitting the post and then drawing some great saves from Steele. Steele saves the day.
Those saves looked even more important on 58 minutes when Sarmiento carved his way through the Gunners defence. He was not greedy, placing the ball to Kauro Mitoma who scored a great finish to make it 2-1 to the Albion.
“I told you not to gloat,” said my wife. “I am not gloating… but we are definitely going to win this,” I replied.
And we did win this thanks to good old Tariq Lamptey clicking on his afterburners, sprinting clear of the Arsenal defence and slotting home to make it Arsenal 1-3 Brighton.
A fantastic game and how thrilling to see the talents of some of the players who have not had a great opportunity to play so far this season.
Confidence will be really high throughout the squad now going into the final game before the World Cup when Aston Villa and their new manager Unai Emery visit the Amex.
I am confident, at least. Are you? Up the Albion!
Tony Noble @Noble1844Tony
