Short answer: defense and a freak goal from Saka. (The keeper was fooled by a tiny deflection and it went between his legs)
For most of the game, Brighton played better, at least until they approached our penalty box, when they looked toothless. Is Arteta playing five dimensional chess here with sitting back and letting opponents take it to us? As long as it works, I'm OK with it. City managed to drop points to Forest while racking up some nice stats. Here's a comparison of the two games:
#BHAARS: • xG: 0.80 – 0.43 • Big chances: 2 – 0 • Shots (on target): 11 (3) – 7 (2) • Possession: 60% – 40% #MCINFO: • xG: 2.02 – 0.97 • Big chances: 5 – 2 • Shots (on target): 21 (6) – 9 (4) • Possession: 70% – 30%
Brighton and City had twice the xG of their opponents and lots more possession and shots. But we won and Forest drew. I really don't think we can play like this the rest of the season and win anything, so I'm going to hope we improve. Anyway, it's a seven point lead (City has a game in hand) and all we need to do is win seven of the last eight--six if we draw against City--to win the league. Fingers crossed.
FA Cup this weekend against Mansfield Town, Champions' League midweek at Leverkusen, a home league fixture against Everton, hosting Leverkusen, and on 3/22 there's the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Then the players all go to an international break to prepare for the World Cup.
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