Wins last season have no bearing tonight, says Potter

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Albion enjoyed back-to-back victories over Arsenal last season.

Charlie Hanson

2020-12-29T06:00:00Z

Neal Maupay netted the winner both home and away against Arsenal last season.

Albion's 2-1 wins over Arsenal last season will have no bearing on how tonight's game will play out, according to head coach Graham Potter.

The Gunners' last visit to the Amex saw the Seagulls pick up their only Premier League home win of 2020 so far, with the match this evening marking a last chance to add to that tally.

“It's up to us to play well and win the game, that's what we’re focusing on," he said. "I don't want to worry too much about what others are doing; Arsenal had a good result against Chelsea, so they will be in a good moment and will have a good feeling.

“We want to turn around our home form, we want to finish the year strongly. We will be trying to recover as best as we can from the West Ham match and get ready for the game.”

Neal Maupay grabbed the winning goal at both the Emirates and the Amex last season, but Potter insists those victories are of no significance this time out.

"Those games don't count for anything now, to be honest. I would say the last game against Arsenal was a big game and result for us, probably the same for them as they made some changes and went on to do really well at the back end of last season.

“They're a team with lots of talent and have a coach that I really like. They’re going through a tough period, but the result in the last game [a 3-1 win against Chelsea] will mean they will come to the Amex looking to secure back-to-back wins.”

Tariq Lamptey will not be fit in time for the match, with the young defender nursing a hamstring injury.

“He won't be available for Arsenal, he’s going to be few days, maybe a week, or weeks.

“We're learning and he’s learning about himself, about the demands of the Premier League and the demands of his position. That's something we have to keep working on and help to improve.”