Arsenal edged out Brighton in the Premier League's 29th round, but concerns arose about Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba's performance. The match, held at the Amex Stadium, concluded with a 1-0 victory for the Gunners, thanks to Bukayo Saka's early goal in the 9th minute.
Baleba, usually a standout player, struggled to find his form, prompting coach Fabian Hürzeler to substitute him in the 78th minute. Despite a 95% accurate pass rate and 35 touches, his overall performance was deemed below par.
The match began with early drama as Baleba had a chance in the 2nd minute after Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya's poor pass. Baleba attempted to chip Raya, but Gabriel Magalhaes cleared the ball off the line. Shortly after, Saka capitalized on an opening, his shot deflected by Baleba past Brighton's goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen.
Arsenal's coach, Mikel Arteta, emphasized the importance of this win in the title race, especially as direct rivals Manchester City dropped points. Saka, making his 300th appearance for Arsenal, scored his 79th goal, adding to his 69 assists.
Following Arsenal's goal, Brighton intensified their pressure, but the Gunners' defense, led by an outstanding Gabriel, stood firm. Hürzeler's tactical changes failed to turn the tide, and Brighton conceded their 10th defeat of the season.
With this loss, Brighton sits 13th in the Premier League standings with 37 points. The team needs to regroup for their upcoming matches to improve their position. Meanwhile, Arsenal strengthens its position at the top of the league, seven points ahead of Manchester City.
Baleba's subdued performance raises questions about his current form and role in Brighton's team. His season statistics indicate a decline compared to previous performances, with an average rating of 6.54 and no goals or assists in the league.
Coach Hürzeler will need to find solutions to help Baleba rediscover his best form and positively contribute to the team's performances. Brighton's next match is scheduled for March 14, 2026, against Sunderland, offering Baleba a chance to redeem himself.
