But how did they do this, expose Arsenal's build-up weaknesses, treat themselves to three goals (of which Arsenal were lucky to have not conceded up to six goals), and limit Arsenal's attacking influence from their fullbacks- on the day, Ricardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber.

Timber's positioning is what you would expect of a typical right back. Able to play a number of roles, take up a number of different positions both inside the pitch, and on the outside of a structure. The Dutchman is an important part of Arsenal's wide triangles, constantly changing position and rotating to find pathways into the box.

Calafiori's role, and Arsenal's left side in general, is more structured in terms of positioning. The Italian international constantly underlaps Tzolis, who tended to hold width. The Greek winger signed from Club Brugge in the summer, is a very self sufficient winger in terms of his output, and doesn't need much support in terms of output. However, he is a big help to Calafiori in terms of his wide positioning and forward passing.

How did Brighton limit the full backs effectiveness?

So how did Brighton limit their movements? Well, the key battle was Diego Gomez vs Calafiori. The Paraguayan international tracked him to the ends of the earth. So much so, that whenever Arsenal had settled possession, Calafiori would invert and high and inside the pitch. Gomez would follow, which meant Brighton ended up with a back six at times, as De Cuyper would do the same thing. So Brightons off ball shape often looked like this...

Arteta assumed Brighton would stick to the usual 4-4-2 shape out of possession, hence their idea in the final third was to push Calafiori on/ try to overload the final line. Gomez defended the left halfspace excellently, and was all over Calafiori like a rash.

Babis Kostoulas had a very important role, making sure we always defended with a matchup at the very minimum. If we did stick to the usual 4-4-2 shape, it would mean Gomez or Kadioglu would have been pulled inside, and players such as Tzolis and Saka would have a lot more time and space, along with better passing angles to find players inside. Ayari/ Kostoulas were important in filling the vacated spaces/ positions, whilst getting pressure on the ball and forcing Arsenal back, where our defensive line was very proactive with altering the depth. Quick to jump, and inevitably squeeze Arsenal.

Brighton were intelligent with how they approached Arsenal players whilst pressing. A clear, prepared idea of Arsenal's rotations, and how to block angles. Players were approached with the idea to block all central passing angles. Getting directly under the ball and preventing any directly pressure breaking passes. Wide players would move inside to protect space and passing angles, eventually forcing Arsenal wide. This was the trigger to jump and properly squeeze Arsenal in their third. Get pressure directly on the ball, cover all passing angles around the player and be really compact. Meaning, Timber or Calafiori or Timber were forced into a long ball, in which case Vuskovic, Andres, Struijk and others would win the first contact, and I can't remember Brighton not being first to a second ball, and finding a pass out of pressure to settle.

The importance of 'controllables'- Fabian Hurzeler

In a recent interview, Hurzeler emphasised the importance of counter pressure, an aspect of football that you can control. The German is very stubborn in this way, and will have players attempting to win the ball back within 5 seconds, especially high up the pitch, where Brighton forced 15 high turnovers. The second most in one half this season since... Brighton, against Aston Villa on the opening day. One thing that was very commendable about Hurzeler's Brighton side against Arsenal wasn't just the constant pressure, but it was the duration of the intensity. Clearly a very fit squad, and a lot of credit has to go back to the previous pre season campaign.

Brighton have started this season on fire, but just how long can this last? An intense style of football, along with European football, travelling to and from games, as well as other competitions. Recoveries will be limited, so depth will be tested. The Seagulls prepared well in the transfer window, making 9 first team additions. Add the record of no wins in December for Fabian Hurzeler since he came to the South Coast, and it could suggest Brighton will inevitably fall off. However, the highest scoring team in the division, accumulating the most XG, chances created and high turnovers, show no signs of slowing down...