Freddie Ljungberg looking to fix 'low confidence' Arsenal after damaging home defeat to Brighton

Freddie Ljungberg blamed low confidence for Arsenal’s dire 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Adam Webster’s first-half strike handed Brighton a deserved lead before Alexandre Lacazette’s headed equaliser shortly after the break.

Arsenal could not seize on any momentum, though, and Neal Maupay struck with ten minutes remaining to condemn the hosts to defeat.

It left Ljungberg with a loss in his first home match as interim manager, following Unai Emery’s sacking.

But the Gunners boss believes the key to restoring their fortunes is to rebuild the confidence in a side which hasn’t won in nine matches, their worst run for 42 years.

READ MORE: Late Neal Maupay header helps Brighton down Arsenal and extend Gunners' winless streak to nine

Ljungberg told Amazon Prime: “Of course it is disappointing, but we have to keep on going.

“The players are low on confidence... We had a bit of reaction in the second half, had a discussion at half time, but we need to start the game like that, that cannot be at half time. That’s the biggest disappointment I have.

“We’re in a difficult situation, we have lost a lot of games and confidence is down. We had low energy, were very flat, in my opinion it is confidence.”

Ljungberg added to the broadcaster that his interim role will continue on a game-to-game basis, with no indication from the club’s hierarchy when to expect a permanent announcement.

Hector Bellerin said the side felt frustrated after an improved second half.

“To be fair, I don’t even know what to say. I have the feeling whatever we do just does not come out right,” the 24-year-old added.

“The team did its best. We defended good... all the teams with the smallest chances they score the goal. it’s hard to say, sometimes it is lost for words a little bit.

“I think from the pitch, from how hard we have been working this week, every single player has given a hundred percent, everyone wants to win, everyone wants to give their best for that shirt.

“In the second half, we were full of energy, had a goal disallowed. It’s just hard to take for us. We have to keep going, we cannot give up.”

Brighton boss Graham Potter heaped praise upon his side for bouncing back after three matches without a point.

The Seagulls were beaten narrowly by a rampant Liverpool last weekend and Potter was delighted to see his side emerge with reward for their efforts this time around.

“It is a wonderful feeling,” the former Ostersunds and Swansea boss told Amazon Prime. “Three tough games, no points, nice to bounce back with win at a place like this.

“First half we did really well, did lots of good things, Maty (Ryan) makes a good save. Lots of good play, we pressed well, defended well, kept the ball where we had to.

“A club like this, there is going to be a response and there was. Then we had to dig in a little bit, adjusted tactically, then grew into it a little bit.

“It was a nice finish, a great ball, (Aaron) Mooy was fantastic all game, unselfish with his play, to add that little bit of quality at the end. All the players were fantastic.

“It’s a nice moment for us, a nice three points, gives us a little bit of belief. It was a good game from us, not perfect, you cant be perfect but we showed enough character i think. Real courage, bravery and quality as well.”

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