Jose Izquierdo has warned Arsenal they face a different player at the Amex tomorrow to the one they first encountered five months ago.

The Colombian left-winger made his first start in the Premier League for Albion in the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates at the beginning of October.

It was very early days for him then in his transition from the top flight in Belgium with Brugge.

Izquierdo had only tasted the Premier League in brief substitute appearances at Watford and Bournemouth.

His full debut against the Gunners was an experience - good and bad - that he will never forget.

"You have in front of you the players you have watched before on TV in your country," he said. "It was like a dream come true. You only watched the games on TV, now you are on the TV!

"It was a massive experience. I really enjoyed it. Losing was obviously the bad part but the experience stays in your memory.

"It was very difficult. They are a very good team, a top team in England. But you learn. At the moment we are in good shape. Each player is doing well in his position so we will see what happens this weekend."

The Argus: Izquierdo has come a long way since that introduction in North London and the subdued celebration that accompanied his first home goal the following month in the draw against Stoke at the Amex (above), after opening his account in spectacular fashion at West Ham.

"When I scored I didn't celebrate because I was angry with myself," he said. "I wasn't in good shape (form)."

The biggest difficulty he has confronted? "Physically," he said without hesitation. "I have other abilities. That told me I needed to change, to improve physically and to improve my best features.

"I think the moment we are in now is a reflection of that work. We have improved so much since then.

"The Izquierdo that arrived here, it's another Izquierdo now. I have learnt from the coach, team-mates, all the people I have contact with."

Izquierdo has developed a particular affinity with the player behind him, Gaetan Bong, a fellow sufferer in the early spring freeze.

He said: "I'm trying to get used to the English weather. It's not too different to the Belgian weather so it's not so difficult, but I don't think I will ever adapt to it. Gaetan, Ezequiel (Schelotto, below) and me are the worst.

The Argus: "The relationship with Gaetan is good. He is a good player. He also gives me confidence. He's a massive guy, a very good guy. I think we are doing well at the moment. I hope we can keep that level."

Hector Bellerin, Arsenal's right-back, could be the one feeling the chill again.

Having just confronted Leroy Sane twice in successive 3-0 defeats by Manchester City, the Spaniard would be wise not to expect a little respite at the Amex.

Izquierdo is in his best form of the season after goals, again, against West Ham and Stoke, followed by an influential display in the destruction of Swansea.

His education process continued as a TV viewer of the Gunners' unwanted double against City at Wembley and the Emirates.

"Always if I watch games I try to lear about other players in my position also," he said. "I pay attention to the players on my side (of the pitch).

"You are always learning, not just enjoying watching the game.

"The moment Manchester City are in is incredible. They play football so easily. Each game is different. Now they (Arsenal) come here to Brighton. I hope we can play well.

"We are coming into it with confidence and good results behind us. I hope we can make ourselves and the fans happy."