MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 17:08:42| >> :120:7980:7980:
[monks data]
Brighton logo
Premier League | Gameweek 30
Jun 20, 2020 at 3pm UK
The American Express Community Stadium
Arsenal logo

Brighton
2 - 1
Arsenal

Dunk (75'), Maupay (90+5')
Burn (30'), Mooy (44')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Pepe (68')
Lacazette (54')

Graham Potter will not abandon football philosophy during relegation battle

Graham Potter will not abandon football philosophy during relegation battle
© Reuters
The Seagulls are yet to win in 2020.

Brighton boss Graham Potter insists he will not compromise his footballing philosophy as he attempts to drag his relegation-threatened side away from danger.

Albion return to Premier League action at home to Arsenal on Saturday afternoon seeking an overdue first win of 2020.

The 15th-placed Seagulls sit just two points above the drop zone having gone nine top-flight games without success before play was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the alarming slump and a daunting run of fixtures, Potter does not intend to ditch his tactical approach.

"The principles will stay the same. We've watched a lot of football back, a lot of our games and of course we can do things better," said Potter.

"That's part of the process, that is the job. There are always bumps along the way, there's always setbacks, there's always failures, always things you can do better.

"The point is to try to be honest enough to understand those and then move forward.

"But the principles I think will remain and then always the numbers in terms of the tactical organisation, that can depend on the players, how we want to do in the game.

"I think the break was good for us in terms of giving us a bit of clarity and we have used it quite well, I think, we have prepared well and we are really happy with how the training has gone.

"But the games are the most important thing so that is what we are looking forward to and what we are excited about for Saturday."

Brighton go in search of a first league double over Arsenal having recorded a shock 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium in early December.

Since that unexpected success, which came against a Gunners team under the caretaker management of Freddie Ljungberg, the Seagulls have drawn eight and lost five of 14 top-flight games and been sucked into trouble.

Albion are bidding to prolong their Premier League stay to a fourth season.

Neal Maupay scored Brighton's winner at Arsenal in December
Neal Maupay scored Brighton's winner at Arsenal in December (Adam Davy/PA)

Potter, whose side also have testing fixtures against Leicester, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City on the horizon, acknowledges his players will need to scrap to preserve top-flight status.

"If it does not go well it is a setback, obviously. We are aware of that and aware of the responsibility that we have," said Potter when asked about the prospect of relegation.

"At the same time we have got nine games to play and 27 points to play for and I think it is important that we focus on trying to get as many points as we can to stay in the Premier League, to try to get the points we need.

"Nobody has a God-given right to be in this competition, in this league, so you have to fight for it."

ID:403115: cacheID:403115:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:6716:
Written by
P A
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Liverpool's Joe Gomez in action with Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the FA Cup on January 5, 2020
Read Next:
SM Football Shorts: Premier League gameweek 30 predictions
>
Read more about Graham Potter Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
11Fulham156542220223
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton153661421-715
16Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!