De Zerbi's programme notes: Let's finish the year positively

A very warm welcome back to the Amex Stadium for this evening’s game against Arsenal.

It seems a very long time ago since we last played here against Aston Villa and, of course, a lot has happened in the meantime. The World Cup took centre stage for four weeks and I’d like to start my notes by congratulating all eight of our players who represented their countries in Qatar, conducting themselves so well, both on and off the pitch.

Alexis Mac Allister has rightly earned plenty of praise for his performances in helping Argentina to victory. He excelled in every game he played, including the final against France, and we look forward to welcoming him back to the club very soon. He has experienced such a special moment in his career, in his life, that he has earned his break back in Argentina with his family, friends and his community. Knowing his character as I do, he will return humble, modest and looking to get back out on the pitch again.

The enforced break gave the players who remained in Brighton the chance to recharge after a hectic period of games, before we returned for what felt like another pre-season. It gave us the chance to put in plenty of hours on the training ground, both here in Sussex and in Dubai, where we took advantage of some warm weather training – and a game against Aston Villa. It proved to be a very beneficial trip and also gave us the chance to work more closely with some of the promising young players we have the club.

We had players returning from the World Cup at different times, but upon the resumption of the season last week, we visited Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup with a competitive squad. It was, therefore, very disappointing to lose through a penalty shoot-out, as we created enough chances to win the game comfortably. Thank you to the fans who supported us in such fantastic numbers on the night, especially so near to Christmas. We’re sorry we couldn’t make it a more enjoyable journey home.

The challenge for the players was to respond in the right way at Southampton on Boxing Day and that is exactly what happened. If there was a positive to come from the Charlton game, it gave our players some much-needed game-time, plenty of minutes in their legs, and we took that with us to St Mary’s.

For me, it was the best performance since I have been at the club, playing for the full 90 minutes with the identity I have been impressing on the players since I arrived. We looked composed throughout the game, we created plenty of chances, and the defensive side of our game, from front to back, was strong. I know we can still improve in all areas of our game, but it was good to resume our Premier League season with the three points.

We know we will have to put in a similar performance this evening against an Arsenal side that have developed a real identity of their own under Mikel Arteta. Their performance against West Ham on Boxing Day typified the way they have been playing this season, always on the front foot, always looking to attack, and they are top of the Premier League for a reason. But if we can play to our potential, to put our own mark on the game, then we can emerge with a positive result in what should be a very entertaining evening.

Finally, as we come to the end of 2022, it’s always a time for reflection. It’s certainly a year I will never forget; from the sorrow of the way my time in Ukraine came to an end, to the joy of joining Brighton and having this opportunity to coach in the Premier League. I have experienced a whole range of emotions on this journey and let’s just hope for a prosperous and peaceful New Year for us all.

Enjoy the game,

Roberto