Kai Havertz believes Arsenal will have ‘many opportunities’ to exploit a weakness in Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton & Hove Albion side on their visit in the Premier League.
The Gunners hit the road for the south coast this Saturday evening striving to do the double over the Seagulls. It will be just the second time that Arsenal secure wins at home and away against Brighton in the Premier League after their 2-0 win at Emirates Stadium in December.
Arsenal sealed their only double to date against Brighton during the 2020/21 season under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners enjoyed a 1-0 win at Amex Stadium before sealing a 2-0 result in north London. But that win is one of only two they have secured in six visits to the seaside.
Arsenal are the best Premier League team away from home
Star midfielder Havertz expects Arsenal will face a ‘tough fight’ in their latest match away to Brighton, too. De Zerbi’s team have only lost once through their 14 Premier League matches at the Amex so far this season. They have even only conceded 16 times on home soil so far.
Only Arsenal, Manchester City (13), Liverpool (14) and Fulham (15) have allowed fewer goals on home soil this term than Brighton. But the Gunners also entered the weekend as the best top-flight squad away from home. They lead the way with 30 points and 34 goals in 15 trips.
READ MORE: 8 worst Arsenal VAR decisions of all time in Premier League games
Only Newcastle United in November’s controversial 1-0 affair, plus Aston Villa in another 1-0 clash in December and Fulham in their 2-1 New Year’s Eve victory have beaten Arsenal when the Gunners have visited. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City have held them to draws.
Kai Havertz sees ‘many opportunities’ Arsenal can exploit at Brighton
Form, however, is not why Havertz expects Brighton will give Arsenal a ‘tough fight’. Instead, the 24-year-old feels the Seagulls will be a threat as De Zerbi has designed a ‘unique’ style on the south coast. Brighton are also seldom afraid to play the ball out through the defence.
But, at the same time, Havertz sees a vulnerability Arsenal can exploit in Brighton’s desire to work the ball out. He believes Arteta’s side can put the Seagulls under pressure and force an opening in the final third. There will also be a lot of space for the Gunners to leave a mark.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Arsenal ace Kai Havertz from his girlfriend to height
“You’ve seen, especially in the last few years, what he’s gotten out of this team,” Havertz told Sky Germany. “The football they play is unique. And, above all, how they play from the back. You have to say that [they are] very, very strong.
“Of course, on the other hand, there are many opportunities to win the ball up front. If you do it well, you will probably find a lot of space. I think we will prepare well for the game. A very, very good team with very, very good players. It will definitely be a tough fight for us.”