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Walcott: Brighton might have shown the blueprint of how to beat Arsenal
19th September, 2026 07:51 PM
Premier League pundit and former Arsenal ace Theo Walcott has shared his sentiments after Arsenal’s latest defeat in the domestic league at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Speaking after the shock 3-0 defeat at the Amex on Saturday, September 19, 2026, Walcott expressed dismay at the champions’ display.
The former winger, however, said the timing of the defeat, alluding to the international break it precedes, as a positive aspect for the team as they look to reset. The loss means Arsenal will now have to regroup ahead of the league return after the international games.
“Brighton are playing with so much confidence, and Arsenal looked a bit shell-shocked. It’s like they went backwards today; now they have got a long period for the international break, and that might be a good thing,” he revealed.
On opponents learning how to go about beating the heavily billed Mikel Arteta’s team, Walcott added that Brighton’s display had all the hallmarks of the secret code:
Blueprint
“The messages Mikel Arteta would have given his squad before the game would have been the same; this might show the blueprint of how to beat Arsenal: be aggressive, be good on the ball, and be patient.”
Walcott, however, tipped the Gunners to bounce back after the break and show their champions’ mentality.
Just as Chelsea looked in their Friday’s defeat against Brentford, set-piece play proved to be Arsenal’s weak point, with Brighton’s third goal scored by Andrés Chema emerging from it.
The defender craned high to beat Arsenal’s defense, famed for defending such set-piece situations, highlighting the team’s struggles in an evening they looked second best.
Missed chances
The Gunners also had a one-on-one chance spurned by Kai Havertz in the 78th minute, with custodian Verbruggen saving with his feet.
“They looked vulnerable today, but they are still champions for a reason, and they are going to have to bounce back.”
Arsenal will return to the league campaign with a home game against Leeds United on Saturday, October 10, 2026, the matchday six game will kick off at 2:30 pm.
