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Mikel Arteta admits his Arsenal side needed too many chances to beat Brighton but was pleased with the maturity and intelligence which secured victory at the Emirates Stadium.<\/p>\n
The Gunners returned to winning ways in the Premier League as Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz struck in the second half on an afternoon where Arteta\u2019s side dominated Brighton.<\/p>\n
The visitors managed just one shot on target on a tough afternoon for Roberto De Zerbi and his players \u2013 while Arsenal had mustered 16 in a goalless first half.<\/p>\n
Arsenal eventually found the back of the net as Jesus nodded in from close-range, before a smart Havertz finish secured the points.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have great players that can define games and finish actions,\u201d said Arteta.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday we needed too many \u2013 especially in big spaces \u2013 too many situations to finish the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was the fear, especially after half-time, that it could be one of those days because the moment you give something to this team they\u2019ll take it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had to be patient but at the same time we had to be really determined against this team.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe second you have doubts against this team they open you up, they start to frustrate you and dominate with the ball. We didn\u2019t do that.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe didn\u2019t allow them to do that. We showed a lot of maturity, and a lot of intelligence. This game against them requires them to be really intelligent.<\/p>\n
\nToday we needed too many – especially in big spaces – too many situations to finish the game<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\u201cWe had some issues in the camp and with Jorginho too we had another one. It\u2019s five, six now. So, we need players.\u201d<\/p>\n
Arteta was back on the touchline having served a one-match ban at Aston Villa last week after accumulating three yellow cards.<\/p>\n
The Spaniard also escaped punishment after an independent panel ruled a Football Association charge against his post-match comments following defeat at Newcastle last month did not warrant a fine or ban.<\/p>\n
But Arteta was once again shown a yellow card by referee Tim Robinson, although he insists he has doing nothing wrong, telling beIN Sport: \u201cI was waving to (Gabriel) Martinelli,\u201d when asked about the booking.<\/p>\n
It was a small blot on the copybook on a day where Arsenal put Brighton to the sword.<\/p>\n
The Seagulls arguably looked leggy following their Europa League exerts in beating Marseille on Thursday night.<\/p>\n
\u201cArsenal played much better than us,\u201d conceded De Zerbi.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey deserved to win the game. We suffered a lot. I think Arsenal are one of the best, maybe this season the best team in the Premier League.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are not used to suffering in this way. We are used to controlling the game.\u201d<\/p>\n