Martin Odegaard let slip that Brighton's "direct" approach proved to be Arsenal's downfall during Sunday's crushing 3-0 defeat.
The Gunners' Premier League title hopes are now in tatters, four points behind Manchester City having played one game more. Captain Odegaard, who couldn't continue his rich vein of form, and his team-mates were blitzed by in-form Brighton, who on multiple occasions cut straight through Arsenal's defence.
Post-match, the Norwegian midfielder accidentally revealed how his side can be beaten, telling Sky Sports: "We did OK in the first half with the high press and could have been dangerous and scored some goals. The game changed a little bit in the second half, when they went direct it was a bit too easy for them to get through. I don't know why at the moment. I don't have any answers."
Odegaard wasn't wrong, with Brighton well worth their win which gives them hope of achieving a European finish this season. As for Arsenal's campaign, second spot now looks about as good as they'll get.
"Yeah it looks difficult now [to win the title] to be honest, we have to be realistic," Odegaard went on to say. "I don't think City are going to do too many mistakes now. We just need to get back on the pitch and end the season in a good way. I think everyone deserves that, especially the fans.
"We've done a lot of good things but at the moment it is just disappointing how we've ended. It is a good sign that we are disappointed. We just have to make sure we keep improving and getting better."
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As for Mikel Arteta's verdict, the Gunners boss gave a similarly glum reflection of the situation, saying: "Mathematically, it's still possible, but today it's impossible to think about it. We need to digest the result and the performance in the second half, understand why and have a different reaction.
"Brighton were really good when we became really poor. Before that, it was the game we expected. The first half we knew that, the way they play, they make the game competitive. It was difficult to get a long sequence of play. We conceded when they were direct in behind and the second one we gave away was a silly one. Then the team had no answers.
"We had to be more aggressive and take chances They used the space well and we got punished. I will always defend my players so the person responsible is me. After a defeat like this at home you have to make analysis of yourself first before looking at anybody else."
