Arsenal's Brighton humbling destroys the media's lazy expectations about the Invincibles
Arsenal have suffered their first defeat of the season against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Gunners had a remarkable start to the campaign. They first battered Manchester City in the Community Shield before picking up deserved wins against every other side they faced in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.
Arsenal were expected to beat Brighton and make it eight wins in eight, but Fabian Hurzeler’s side hammered them 3-0 at the Amex. It could have and probably should have been more.
That is extremely disappointing if you are an Arsenal fan, but the one small positive is that this kills off a lazy expectation from some sections of the media.
Arsenal will no longer face the pressure of emulating the Invincibles
Arsenal really did look like the best team in the country in the first seven games of their season.
Mikel Arteta’s side beat every side they faced quite comfortably, and they became overwhelming favourites to win the Premier League.
That wasn’t it. Some sections of the media decided to discuss the possibility of the Gunners emulating Arsene Wenger’s 2003/04 side by going the entire league season without losing a game.
Even Ashley Cole, a key member of the Invincibles squad, claimed recently that Arsenal could repeat that incredible feat this season.
“I don’t see why not,” Cole told talkSPORT. “I think Mikel has had that group now for four or five years. He’s been allowed to bring in his own players and take players out.”
He further added: “Can they go unbeaten? It’s not easy, but they have got the players, and I think they’ve got the manager with the mindset now. So, who knows?”
That discussion is now officially over, at least for another year, as Brighton battered Arsenal 3-0 at the Amex on Saturday afternoon.
Every player, as well as the manager and the coaching staff, should be embarrassed by what happened, but the Invincibles expectation and the pressure that comes with it are at least out of the window now.
Arsenal now have plenty of time to regroup, recharge and recover. This defeat needs to hurt, but the focus will now be on doing what needs to be done, which is to win the Premier League title again.