Arsenal return to the top of the Premier League after a 2–1 win over Brighton, but the performance once again raises familiar questions. The Gunners dominate large spells at the Emirates — racking up 2.8 xG, 24 shots and total territorial control — only to let the game drift into nervous territory late on, with David Raya forced into a crucial save to preserve the win.

We break down a first half that should have put the game out of sight, including missed chances for Bukayo Saka and ongoing concerns around Arsenal’s finishing. Martin Ødegaard scores his first goal of the season in trademark fashion, while Declan Rice adapts to an unfamiliar role and Arsenal’s structure continues to generate chances without the ruthless edge to kill games.

The second half sees a worrying 15-minute spell where Arsenal retreat, stop engaging high up the pitch, and invite Brighton back into the contest. We discuss Raya’s intervention, the defensive adjustments that followed, and whether this “control then retreat” pattern is becoming a recurring issue.

There’s also frustration with refereeing decisions, including a controversial challenge on the goalkeeper and VAR inconsistencies across the weekend. We cover all the major talking points from Gameweek 17 in Whip Around the Grounds, with results from Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa and more.

In VARse, we analyse key officiating decisions from Old Trafford, the City Ground and Stamford Bridge, ranking what was contentious, what was ridiculous, and where the laws continue to be applied inconsistently.

Finally, we look ahead to Arsenal vs Aston Villa. With Villa winning games while being outshot and outperforming their xG, and Arsenal struggling to convert dominance into comfort, we assess the tactical battle, injury concerns, likely line-ups, and what Mikel Arteta must get right this time around.

Chapters:

(00:00) – Arteta’s Non-Negotiables Intro

(01:40) – #ARSBHA Pre-Match, Injuries & the Return of Big Gabi

(03:18) – Starting XI: Rice at Right Back?

(04:52) – Stats, Arsenal Domination & Missed Early Chances

(07:45) – Saka Shooting Volume vs End Product

(12:12) – Ødegaard’s First Goal of the Season

(15:32) – Chances, xG and Why This Game Should’ve Been Dead

(18:18) – Referee & Goalkeeper Challenge Controversy

(21:42) – Second-Half Control & Set-Piece Pressure

(24:42) – Brighton Goal: Freak Moment or Structural Issue?

(27:26) – Fifteen-Minute Retreat & Loss of Engagement

(28:06) – Raya’s Match-Saving Intervention

(30:02) – Martinelli’s Impact, Late Chances & Full-Time Reflection

(34:34) – Big Takeaways from the Brighton Win

(38:37) – PT.2: Who Am I? (Game)

(40:25) – Whip Around the Grounds: Gameweek 18

(46:39) – VARse: Gameweek 18

(56:04) – Officiating Trends & Referee Inconsistencies

(01:02:23) – Aston Villa Preview: Style Clash & xG Trends

(01:06:39) – Arsenal Line-Up, Injuries & Selection Calls

(01:08:18) – The No.9 Debate & Attacking Balance

(01:22:31) – Nwaneri?

(01:35:21) – Who Am I? (Game) Reveal