Arsenal News: Gunners Coach Praises Belgian Midfielder In Aftermath Of Nil-Nil Draw Vs. Brighton

Arsenal battled to a scoreless draw with Brighton over the weekend, yet another reason for Gunners manager Mikel Arteta to draw criticism.

However, there is a bright spot through it all in the person of Albert Sambi Lokonga.

In the eyes of Arteta, the 21-year-old midfielder made a good account of himself in that game against the Seagulls.

Lokonga has been responding well as he tries to fill a huge gap on the Gunners' side. This is about the fact that Granit Xhaka may be out for a long spell.

So far, it seems the Belgian midfielder is rising to the occasion. In that match against Brighton, Lokonga stood his ground and somehow outshone Thomas Partey.

“I think he did really well. I think he had one of the best performances from the players on the pitch. He shows a lot of character and all the time good positions,” Arteta said on Lokonga via the team’s official website.

“I think his defensive work and understanding are getting better. It was a really difficult game because it was all the time one v one duels all over the pitch and it’s not the game that really suits him the most, but I think under the circumstances, he did really well."

Lokonga is proving to be a good signing, a player who is strong and quick in the tackle. Moreover, he may even be compared to Brighton counterpart Yves Bissouma.

Hence, Lokonga may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Gunners after falling short in their pursuit of Bissouma.

However, it will be interesting if Lokonga can keep up the pace especially once Xhaka is well enough to return.

Adjustments are expected once that happens. Either way, it is a good problem to have on the side for Arsenal.

Furthermore, it could raise his stock should he get displaced. All Lokonga needs to do now is stay the course and do his part on Gunners' side.