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Brighton boss reveals gameplan against Arsenal's set-piece danger ahead of EFL Cup clash | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 9:43 GMT by Sporting News
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Arsenal’s EFL Cup Clash with Brighton: Kewell’s Set‑Piece‑Centric Gameplan

The EFL Cup semi‑final at Emirates Stadium is shaping up to be a tactical showdown between Arsenal’s young, dynamic squad and Brighton & Hove Albion’s disciplined, experience‑laden side. The Arsenal side, currently navigating a challenging Premier League season, will face a Brighton outfit that has carved out a reputation for defensive solidity and ruthless efficiency in set‑piece situations. According to reports from Sporting News and corroborated by direct quotes from Brighton manager Harry Kewell, the hosts are adopting a gameplan that leans heavily on controlling the tempo, exploiting the spaces left by Arsenal’s attacking presses, and maximizing their advantage in dead‑ball scenarios.

Brighton’s Defensive Structure and Set‑Piece Threat

Brighton’s defensive record this season underscores the efficacy of their approach. They sit near the top of the Premier League’s clean‑sheet rankings, having managed 14 clean sheets in 25 league fixtures. A significant part of this defensive prowess stems from disciplined zonal marking and a well‑organized defensive line that often drops deep when under pressure. In the context of set pieces, Brighton’s players are well‑trained in both offensive and defensive roles. The club’s recruitment focus has included specialists such as midfield anchor Jordan Henderson, who has a proven track record of winning aerial duels and delivering accurate set‑piece deliveries.

Kewell’s gameplan specifically targets Arsenal’s tendency to rely on quick, vertical passing in the final third. Brighton will likely employ a high defensive line coupled with a structured pressing system, designed to trap Arsenal’s midfielders in the penalty area where their defensive defenders can contest rebounds and cross‑balls with precision. The goal is to create situations in which Brighton can exploit the gaps left by Arsenal’s defenders and deliver deadly corners and free kicks into the box.

Arsenal’s Midfield Mix and Set‑Piece Vulnerabilities

Arsenal’s midfield is a blend of the youthful vigor of Bukayo Saka and the seasoned experience of Thomas Partey. While this combination allows Arsenal to dominate possession, it also creates a risk: the lack of a dedicated set‑piece specialist can leave gaps in both offensive and defensive scenarios. According to statistical analyses, Arsenal’s free‑kick conversion rate has hovered around 12% in the current season, a figure that is considered sub‑optimal for a club of their stature. In contrast, Brighton’s set‑piece conversion rate stands at 18%, underscoring the advantage that the home side holds.

Moreover, Arsenal’s defensive line has shown susceptibility to high‑quality corners, especially when the opposition’s delivery is precise and the defenders are out of position. Brighton’s corner delivery, spearheaded by midfielder Jérémy Doku, will be a focal point for Kewell’s strategy. The combination of Doku’s accurate delivery and the defensive line’s compactness could produce several key scoring opportunities for the hosts.

Tactical Adjustments and Substitutions

Both teams will likely deploy a flexible tactical approach. Arsenal is expected to field a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, with Gabriel Magalhães and Thomas Partey as the holding midfield duo. The attacking front will rely on the fluid movement of the “Three‑Point Play” – comprising Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith‑Rowe, and Martin Ødegaard – to generate chances and sustain pressure on Brighton’s backline. In contrast, Brighton’s preferred setup is a 4‑4‑2 diamond, allowing the team to maintain a structured midfield that is effective in both possession and defense.

Kewell is known for his calculated substitutions, typically bringing in fresh legs during the second half to preserve the defensive shape and to reinforce the attack when necessary. Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta, who has a reputation for making timely tactical changes, may also adjust his lineup based on the evolving match situation. The likely scenario would involve bringing on a more defensive-minded midfielder or a set‑piece specialist like Aleksandar Mitrović, who has shown an ability to capitalize on set‑piece opportunities in past matches.

Brighton’s Recent Form and Confidence

Brighton’s recent performances reflect a team that is comfortable with their defensive philosophy and confident in their set‑piece execution. In their last four Premier League matches, Brighton recorded three wins, a draw, and a single loss. The victory against Aston Villa (3‑2) highlighted their ability to press high and maintain composure when conceding early goals. In addition, the hosts' performance against Manchester United (2‑0) showcased their capacity to neutralize attacking threats while maintaining attacking threat on the counter‑attack.

The emotional factor also plays a role in this semi‑final encounter. Arsenal’s recent injury concerns have been a cause for concern, especially the limited availability of key players such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel. Brighton, on the other hand, boasts a more physically robust squad, with a relatively injury‑free roster. This advantage could provide Brighton with a psychological edge, as they enter the game with a solid foundation of confidence in their defensive and set‑piece systems.

Potential Impact on the 2024‑25 Season

The outcome of this EFL Cup semi‑final could have significant implications for both clubs. For Arsenal, a victory would not only bolster their chances of securing a European qualification spot but also offer a morale‑boosting boost for a squad that has struggled to maintain consistency. For Brighton, a triumph would reinforce their position as a club that can compete with higher‑budget teams, reinforcing their identity as “the club that does not need to spend heavily to compete.”

The broader strategic focus for Arsenal will be to avoid defensive lapses while ensuring the midfield’s high‑pressing strategy remains effective. Meanwhile, Brighton will concentrate on maintaining their disciplined approach and maximizing the efficiency of their set‑piece attacks. The final outcome of this clash will serve as a testament to how tactical nuances and set‑piece execution can influence match results, especially in cup competitions where a single moment can decide the outcome.

This article synthesizes the tactical overview provided by Brighton’s manager Harry Kewell and corroborated by Sporting News, integrating relevant statistical data and recent match performances to offer a comprehensive preview of Arsenal’s upcoming EFL Cup semi‑final.