Brighton had as good as ended Arsenal's title challenge with a superb 3-0 win, but Roberto De Zerbi's mind quickly turned to his side's game against Newcastle United. As De Zerbi addressed his players in the away dressing room at the Emirates, the Brighton boss told them they could 'be happy' until Tuesday. Then they had to prepare for another 'very tough' trip to St James' Park on Thursday night.
"We have to forget everything," he reiterated to reporters. "We have to forget we played in Arsenal's stadium and we won in Arsenal's stadium. Otherwise, we will lose the game in Newcastle. 100%."
Among those who will have been watching on from afar was Eddie Howe. Such is Howe's respect for Brighton, the Newcastle United head coach won't necessarily have been surprised by the Seagulls' performance, but that ruthless second-half display was a timely reminder to his players that they will need to be at their very best on Thursday night. If they even needed reminding after escaping the Amex with a point earlier this season.
