AliousBrighton Explain Kaoru Mitoma Absence After Narrow Defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates
Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler has clarified why Kaoru Mitoma was missing from his squad for the Seagulls’ 2-1 Premier League defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Japanese winger was a notable absentee as Brighton took on the league leaders, who secured victory thanks to a Martin Ødegaard strike and an unfortunate own goal from Georginio Rutter. Although Brighton showed far more intent after the break and pulled a goal back through Diego Gómez, they were unable to find an equaliser despite sustained second-half pressure.
Mitoma’s absence was particularly felt given the extra threat he brings to Brighton’s attacking play. While Danny Welbeck and Yankuba Minteh were available from the bench, the Seagulls lacked the directness and unpredictability that Mitoma often provides in wide areas.
The 26-year-old has endured a stop-start campaign due to an ongoing ankle problem but had recently returned to action. He featured as a substitute in Brighton’s 2-0 defeat at Liverpool before also making an appearance in the goalless draw with Sunderland. With those outings behind him, Mitoma was widely expected to be involved against Arsenal.
However, Hürzeler confirmed after the match that the winger’s absence was not injury-related. Instead, Mitoma was ruled out due to illness, with the Brighton boss stressing that it was a short-term issue rather than a physical setback.
Arsenal’s victory saw them move two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table ahead of a final fixture before the end of the calendar year, as they prepare to host third-placed Aston Villa on Tuesday. Brighton, meanwhile, continue to struggle for momentum. The defeat means they have taken just two points from their last five matches and have dropped to 12th in the standings.
Reflecting on the performance, Hürzeler admitted his side did not approach the game with enough bravery early on. He felt Brighton were overly cautious in the first half, lacking the courage, personality and intensity required at this level. While he was encouraged by the response after the interval, he acknowledged that improvements are needed across the full 90 minutes.
The Brighton boss also pointed to fine margins, noting that while his team generally defended Arsenal’s set pieces well, the second goal came in unfortunate circumstances. Ultimately, he felt Brighton paid the price for not fully committing to their game plan from the outset, describing the result as a disappointing one.
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