Arsenal loss to Brighton might have saved Arteta’s shot at historic season

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Arsenal’s League Cup campaign fell at the first hurdle as Mikel Arteta’s side were easily dispatched 3-1 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Despite taking the lead, the Gunners crumbled at the Emirates Stadium as the Seagulls fought back to claim an impressive win in north London, with Arsenal’s record against Brighton still a questionable one even with a change of manager this season.

The loss was hardly ideal given Arsenal’s incredible form this season, with the result only the third time this campaign in all competitions Arteta has been on the losing side of a match. However, unlike previous shortcomings against Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven, there’s a different sort of energy in the air this time around.

Brighton might have saved Arsenal’s season with early League Cup elimination

For many fans of top Premier League clubs, the League Cup is a nuisance rather than a blessing, with the congested footballing schedule making cup competitions sponsored by energy drinks hardly ideal when there are bigger fish to fry. And for Arsenal, that case could not be more understated this season.

With the 2022 FIFA World Cup break coming into effect after this weekend, winners of this round of the League Cup would have had to play their next round the week starting December 19th. AKA, the day straight after the final in Qatar, which is likely to contain players from the north London side.

Indeed, Arsenal fans will no doubt want to see their players do well in the World Cup this year. However, given just how incredible a shot the north London side have this season of making history and winning an unprecedented Premier League title, most supporters will likely be happier with every representative in Qatar being placed in bubble wrap.

And this is why Arsenal’s League Cup loss to Brighton could have saved the Gunners’ season. With fixture congestion already an issue with Arteta’s side having to face Manchester City at a rearranged time, an added game days after the World Cup final would have been a killer for the English giants.