Seagulls hoping to top Gun yet again
BRIGHTON can stun Arsenal again at The Emirates – if they embody the spirit displayed against Marseille.
That’s according to proud Albion skipper Lewis Dunk, who wants the Seagulls to build upon their incredible 1-0 Europa League heroics in North London.
“If we play like we did against Marseille, we’ll have a good chance of winning,” Dunk said.
“We know we’re going to go there and it’s going to be a tough game – they’re a top, top side with top players but if we play like we did, we’re in with a good chance.”
Dunk was part of the Brighton side that thumped Arsenal 3-0 away from home in May, wrecking last season’s Premier League title bid.
But the England international centre-back concedes Brighton aren’t as strong as they were back then.
Asked if they are now a superior outfit seven months on, Dunk added: “Yes and no. We’ve got a lot of injuries at the moment but we’ve still got a great squad and we’re achieving things at the moment.
“In the league, we’re struggling for clean sheets and we missed chances where we should have won games but we’re still learning and improving and it’s another challenge to tackle on Sunday.”
Roberto De Zerbi was more conclusive with his assessment as he believes his Brighton team have really suffered after losing three dependable stars in the summer transfer window.
The Italian, who noted that Arsenal are stronger than last season, says his side are slightly weaker, adding: “We’re not (stronger) yet because my team lost three important players in Levi Colwill, Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo. Crucial players.
“I think if we follow the plan to work hard like we are working now, winning games like Marseille, then we can become better. But at the moment, not yet.
“In terms of our first XI, we are not better than we were last season.”