Carabao Cup: Brighton Exposes Arsenal's lack of depth

The crusaders in red and white seized an early lead at the Emirates through Eddie Nketiah. Still, the Seagulls were saved by a Danny Welbeck penalty before two more goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Tariq Lamptey solidified their win

The Gunners conceded twice in the second half and crashed out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night. Although they're soaring high in the Premier League, the defeat has left Arsenal feeling vulnerable and needing more depth. 

It marked the second time in 20 seasons that Arsenal had failed to make it past the tournament's third round. Brighton, on the other hand, beat a top-flight team for the first time since 2011. 

They were unrelenting in front of Mikel Arteta's changed starting lineup that only retained William Saliba after their fantastic 1-0 win at Chelsea. Arsenal fans had their expectations pinned on Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus. 

However, many players from Arsenal's second string delivered underwhelming performances, including Fabio Vieira, Sambi Lokonga, and Marquinhos.

Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah were engaging throughout the match, and the former provided Eddie Nketiah with an assist that led to the opening goal in the first half.

However, 20-year-old goalkeeper Karl Hein made a blunder that allowed Brighton an equaliser through a Danny Welbeck penalty. In addition, second-half goals from Kaoru Mitoma, and Tariq Lamptey gave the visitors a deserved win.

So Mikel Arteta might consider bolstering his squad in the January transfer if his side wants to compete against Manchester City for the title.

Will January signings help Arsenal?

Arsenal is ready to splurge in the January transfer window to continue their bid for a top-four finish and title win. Mikel Arteta's side has initiated talks with the director of football Edu Gaspar over a new contract. 

A part of it will include Mikel Arteta in their long-term plans now that his contract runs till the 2024/25 season. They hope to maintain good ties with Mikel Arteta, who could boost the team with new January signings. 

It is also a way to fend off Barcelona and Manchester City from eyeing the coach. Mikel Arteta is rumoured to succeed Xavi if his project fails, and Pep Guardiola's contract is to expire by the of the season. 

If Mikel Arteta makes new signings this January, the midfield will be strengthened. In addition, raking in a new forward or winger also seems likely. 

Arsenal is looking to bolster their attack, and reports suggest they are monitoring Cody Gakpo, a primary Manchester United target. 

They are also considering having Mykhailo Mudryk in their squad. The Shakthar Donetsk player has proved to be Europe's most desired winger, so Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos will either have more support in the frontline or face more competition within the team itself.