‘Concerned’… Mikel Arteta now shares what really worried him about Arsenal’s first-half display vs Brighton

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Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal’s finishing in the first half against Brighton yesterday ‘concerned’ him.

The Gunners boss was speaking to the media after his side picked up a 2-0 win over the Seagulls on Sunday afternoon.

Arsenal moved back above Liverpool with the win after second-half goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz secured a vital three points.

Mikel Arteta’s men were left frustrated in the first half as they struggled to make the most of a dominant display.

Indeed, the likes of Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli both went close. But as the chances piled up for the Gunners, many began to wonder whether or not it would be one of those days for Arteta’s side.

And the Arsenal boss has admitted that he was worried heading into halftime as his side hadn’t taken their opportunities. 

Arteta shares what worried him about Arsenal’s first-half display vs Brighton

As quoted by Arsenal’s official website, Arteta admitted he was concerned about his side’s finishing after the first half.

He said: “I was concerned because I think we had 15 shots in the first half and we had so many open situations to put the ball in the back of the net, but we didn’t, and this is the Premier League.

“We kept going in the second half, and in the end we found two very different goals, a great way to score them and I’m really happy today.”

Many have questioned whether or not Arteta needs to bring in a new striker in January as he bids to deliver a Premier League title.

The Gunners have often struggled to put games to bed this term, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah struggling to score regularly.

But the Brazilian striker was on target yesterday and he has proven he can lead the line for Arsenal.

Manchester City have won the league without a recognised number nine in recent times and Arteta will be hoping he can do the same.

The Gunners will undoubtedly have to share the load across the squad, with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli expected to contribute in the final third.