Cautious Brighton manager Hughton expects to face ‘a very motivated Arsenal team’

Chris Hughton says Brighton & Hove Albion’s approach to the visit of Arsenal has not altered despite a galling week of defeats for the North London club.

Arsene Wenger’s side head to the south coast today on the back of an embarrassing Europa League loss at home to Ostersund and on the receiving end of two Manchester City masterclasses.

The first came in last weekend’s League Cup final as Pep Guardiola lifted his first silverware in England following a 3-0 win, before City matched that scoreline in the Premier League four days later.

The results, coupled with poor performances, have seen Wenger come under fresh criticism from supporters and pundits alike. While Arsenal have now lost seven of their 13 games in all competitions since the turn of the year, Brighton, in contrast, are unbeaten since January 20.

Hughton has been nominated for February’s Premier League manager of the month award while Glenn Murray and Pascal Gross are both up for the player of the month accolade.

Despite such stark situations at both clubs Hughton is still expecting a tough afternoon against Arsenal and will not relax in his approach to the contest. “Any game plan we will have against Arsenal will be no different on Sunday had it been a week ago, two weeks ago,” he said.

“We are playing against a team that is full of top individuals that can hurt you. We have to line up our team and prepare exactly for that.

“They are on the back of a couple of defeats and will be desperate to turn it around so I expect to be playing against a very motivated Arsenal team on Sunday.”

Brighton have conceded two goals less than sixth-placed Arsenal this season as Hughton looks to extend their stay in the Premier League beyond a single campaign.

The former Newcastle United and Norwich City manager also said it was key that Brighton concern themselves only with their task today and not the plight of their opponents.

“We will not allow ourselves to get caught up in Arsenal having had a couple of difficult games and we are in good form, we can’t afford to get caught up it that, we can only afford to play the right type of game.”

Any game plan we will have against Arsenal will be no different on Sunday had it been a week ago, two weeks ago CHRIS HUGHTON