Ian McCullough Brighton looking to Aussies

BRIGHTON’S Australian duo of Mat Ryan and Aaron Mooy return to English Premier League action early tomorrow in what is shaping as a truly vital match in the club’s bid to avoid relegation.

After a bright start to the season, Brighton are the only team in the division not to register a win in 2020. Sitting in 15th spot, they are just two points clear of Bournemouth, who are in 15th place and the relegation zone.

The Seagulls host Arsenal and are looking to maintain their four-match unbeaten run against the Gunners, which includes a 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium in December.

Mooy (pictured) was outstanding in that game, topping the stats charts for his side with the most dribbles, passes and tackles before setting up the winning goal for Neal Maupay to seal the first away win over Arsenal by a Brighton side.

Socceroos stopper Ryan – a key factor in the club preserving their top-flight status since his arrival in 2017 – has been ever present between the sticks this season.

Despite that fine win over Arsenal on December 5, manager Graham Potter admits restarting the season almost from scratch renders any previous result meaningless.

“Unfortunately you don’t get anything in football for what happened three months ago,” he said.

“You have to start again and try and play as well.”

With matches against highflying Leicester and Manchester United to come, avoiding defeat to Arsenal is vital for Brighton if they are to create breathing space at the bottom.