Diego Gomez primed to mark 50th Brighton game as Arsenal threat | OneFootball

Brighton’s South American ranks have thinned, but in-form Diego Gomez could mark his 50th appearance by hurting Arsenal at the Amex on Wednesday. He is the standout South American presence as Mikel Arteta’s side pursue Manchester City.

Fabian Hurzeler said: “He’s South American and South Americans are very passionate about football, passionate about improving, getting better every day. You see it in his effort. He never rests. He is always there for the team. He is a hard worker. On top of that, he has some really good quality, an amazing finish, a good understanding of the game.” He was speaking to The Athletic.

Brighton’s last Premier League win over Arsenal was a 3-0 at the Emirates in May 2023, when Julio Enciso and Pervis Estupinan scored, with Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister in midfield and Facundo Buonanotte off the bench. None of those five will feature now, with the first four sold and Buonanotte on loan at Leeds. Igor Julio is also unlikely to be involved and has not made the last four squads.

Gomez arrives in form after scoring in the 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest and the 2-0 at Brentford, becoming only the third Paraguayan to hit five or more in a Premier League season, joining Roque Santa Cruz and Miguel Almiron. Used mainly on the right recently, the adaptable 22-year-old has also played left, as a No 10 and in central midfield.

He struck with his right foot against Forest and finished left-footed at Brentford, then initiated Danny Welbeck’s winner. He netted at the Emirates in December’s 2-1 defeat, hit four in a 6-0 Carabao Cup win at Barnsley, and has 10 goals this season. Signed from Inter Miami for £11 million in January 2025, a rare winter buy for Brighton, he earned a first start that March and has progressed since.

Source: NY Times