Potter rues hardest part after ‘close to perfect’ performance against Arsenal

Graham Potter during the game between Brighton and Arsenal

Graham Potter believed Brighton were as close to perfection as they are capable of against Arsenal, but admitted that “the hard bit is putting the ball in the net”.

Brighton were unlucky not to get all three points after dominating a lacklustre Arsenal. Potter’s men had to settle for a 0-0 draw after being unable to capitalise on any of their 21 shots. Indeed, only two of them were on target.

On another day it may have been a different story, but in truth, Brighton have suffered from similar issues for a while. Potter has always had them playing decent football but finishing has prevented their progress.

Still, he could see further positive signs from how they went about taking on an in-form Arsenal side.

He told Sky Sports: “It is what it is with the result, but the performance was fantastic from us.

“I loved our courage, our quality. It was a wonderful performance and I am really proud of the players.

“As a coach you know that the hard bit is putting the ball in the net but we tried everything.

“The intensity was great, playing out from the back and going into a high press. Going man for man with their high quality players, it was a fantastic performance.”

The man of the match was wing-back Marc Cucurella, who won his individual battle with Arsenal new boy Takehiro Tomiyasu down the flank.

Takehiro Tomiyasu battling with Marc Cucurella

A summer signing, Cucurella has been impressing those at Brighton with how he is settling in.

Potter affirmed: “Marc has been brilliant on and off the pitch. Great lad, everyone loves him. The way he plays the game is so refreshing, gives energy to the team.

“But I thought the whole team performance was amazing. The back three defended big spaces against some really good attacking players. I don’t want to single anyone out.”

Graham Potter pleased with Brighton start

Brighton have 14 points from their opening seven league games and would have gone joint-top had they won.

Still, they are level with second place for now, showing far more ambition than may have been expected. It is unlikely they will finish the season in such territory, but they should be more comfortable than last season.

Potter is pleased with how they have started the season but still sees room for improvement.

He said: “It is a good start from a points perspective. Two points a game in PL is very well done from the guys.

“We have had to dig deep at times because we have had problems, injuries but we have dealt with it well. Performances have been good but not perfect.

“But today was as close to perfect as we can get and we have to keep going from that.”

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