Bong Ready For Arsenal Challenge

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Gaetan Bong is encouraging his team-mates to get their first points on board against one of the so-called ‘big six’, when Arsenal visit the Amex on Sunday.

Bong believes the side can take confidence from Swansea City's surprise victory over the Gunners in January, and says there is no reason why Albion can’t get something out of the game.

He said, “It’s a massive challenge. We haven’t got any points against the top six yet and the match on Sunday would be a good start.

“They will provide us with a good test, but all we can do is play our game. If Swansea can do it, then I think we can do it as well.

“Some people might say it’s a good time to play them, but they were saying the same thing when we played Chelsea, and they beat us.

“When you play against a top team, you just have to be focused on what you can do and be ready to work hard.”

The full-back reflected on last week’s 4-1 victory over Swansea City, paid tribute to Glenn Murray for his brace and commented on the club’s increased options upfront.

“He’s [Murray] doing a great job and everyone is working together for the same goal. Maybe the new signings have gave him some positive pressure and he just keeps going.

“We have more strikers now and are they are good guys too. They are not starting because Glenn is doing well and they need to wait for their chances. When Jurgen came on, he scored. We need everyone to be focused and give the best they can do for us to stay in this league.”

Despite last week’s win, the Cameroonian stressed that there’s still plenty of work to do in the race to beat the drop and highlighted the important role the fans can play.

“When you look at the table, it’s only four points [above the bottom three]. We need more victories, and we’ll need the points when we play against Arsenal.

“We need to be focused and will need to wait until the last game to see if we stay in this league. We need to fight and know how hard it is going to be.

“I know we can do it, but we need everyone fighting and working for the same goal, and that includes the fans and everyone who loves Brighton. We need them to push us.”