A high-tempo and enjoyable tie at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, the last of the year, saw Arsenal again pass another test, notching up yet another win with close-to-flying colours.
With a now-familiar strong early burst and powerful start that saw 5 chances on goal in the space of the first ten minutes, Arsenal capitalised with just over a minute on the clock when Martinelli’s deflected cross found Saka who calmly converted from just outside the 6-yard box.
That set the pace for much of the game that saw Arsenal as comfortable winners when all was said and done.
But that’s not to say they didn’t suffer from a few scares along the way.
A resurgent Brighton for much of the second half put Arsenal on the back foot.
And there were some niggling worries; Saliba continued his unfortunate post-world cup streak of two goals conceded through silly errors in as many games. And Brighton’s period of dominance coincided with Tomi and KT’s introduction,
exposing yet again Arsenal’s lack of depth.
But the way the team collectively soaked up the pressure, away from home at a ground they had only won at once in five previous attempts, was yet more proof of a team reborn and another milestone in Arsenal’s transformation. One where they showed true resilience as well as flair and creativity. And one where they demonstrated a new attitude – that broke yet more hoodoos from the past.
There will be much tougher tests, starting with Newcastle at home on Tuesday.
But this was nothing short of a performance by a team that can now count itself well and truly in the mix for the title. And one where more long-suffering, battle-hardened fans can begin to believe that what seemed impossible just a few months ago, might actually be in our grasp.
Maybe.
