Arsenal's Crisis in the Backline When Defeated by Brighton, Martin Odegaard Praises Declan Rice

JAKARTA - Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice showed an impressive performance when switching positions as a defender in the match against Brighton and Hove Albion. Captain Martin Odegaard did not hesitate to praise Rice who was able to solve the crisis in the back sector when defeating Brighton 2-1 in the English Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, Saturday, December 27, 2025 WIB.

Arsenal really experienced a crisis in the back in the match. Right back Ben White could not play because he had not recovered from an injury.

White's position will actually be taken over by Riccardo Calafiori. The pity is that the Italian defender suffered an injury while warming up before the match.

Manager Mikel Arteta immediately changed the composition of the players by pulling Rice to become a full back after Myles Lewis-Skelly replaced Calafiori because Jurrien Timber also could not appear. When Rice played behind, Odegaard filled the midfield which was shoulder-to-shoulder with Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi.

The change in the composition of the players did not affect the team's performance which was still able to play offensively very well. Odegaard opened Arsenal's victory in the 14th minute.

Furthermore, the Gunners were ahead 2-0 after Georginio Rutter made a suicide goal. Brighton themselves could only narrow the gap when Diego Gomez broke into the Arsenal goal in the 64th minute.

After the goal that changed the score to 2-1, goalkeeper David Raya showed the best performance that thwarted all Brighton attacks. However, Odegaard actually assessed Rice as playing an important role in securing Arsenal's defense line.

"His performance (Rice) was really impressive," said Odegaard in response to Rice. Even though it was his first time playing as a defender, the England national team midfielder was able to show a very good performance.

"Playing as a right back is only the first time for him. And it turns out he was able to play very well. That's our team. Anyone must be ready to play in any position. Rice's performance is a good example," he said again.

Odegaard also admitted that he was happy to score again. The reason is that he had to wait 18 months to break the opponent's goal after completing an assist from Bukayo Saka.

"I've been waiting for that moment for a long time. I also keep trying to improve my finishing. But this can happen because of Bukayo. We really know each other very well. He saw me and then gave me the ball. It's a really good goal," said Odegaard.

The victory over Brighton makes Arsenal back to the top of the standings. Now, they have 42 points. Two points ahead of Manchester City who previously beat Nottingham Forest 2-1.