Arsenal go into 2023 seven points clear at the top of the Premier League after an entertaining 4-2 win over Brighton. The opportunity was there for Mikel Arteta’s side to extend their advantage after Manchester City were held by Everton earlier in the day, and the Gunners did just that against a Seagulls side that have regularly caused them problems in the past.
That always looked on track once Bukayo Saka gave them the lead after 65 seconds, before Martin Odegaard continued his sensational form to score before the break. Eddie Nketiah made it three shortly after half-time to seemingly put the Gunners in cruise control. Kaoru Mitoma gave Brighton brief hope of a comeback though, before Evan Ferguson then did the same after Gabriel Martinelli had restored the three-goal advantage. Arsenal saw out the rest of the match, despite some unexpectedly nervy moments.
It means the Gunners go into the New Year with serious title ambitions, as improbable as that seemed even five months ago. Upcoming fixtures against Newcastle, Tottenham and Manchester United will likely prove to be a crucial run.
Brighton vs Arsenal latest news
Live updates
Thanks for following!
Arsenal go into 2023 seven points clear at the top of the Premier League after an entertaining 4-2 win over Brighton.
The opportunity was there for Mikel Arteta’s side to extend their advantage after Manchester City were held by Everton earlier in the day, and the Gunners did just that against a Seagulls side that have regularly caused them problems in the past.
That always looked on track once Bukayo Saka gave them the lead after 65 seconds, before Martin Odegaard continued his sensational form to score before the break. Eddie Nketiah made it three shortly after half-time to seemingly put the Gunners in cruise control.
Kaoru Mitoma gave Brighton brief hope of a comeback though, before Evan Ferguson then did the same after Gabriel Martinelli had restored the three-goal advantage. Arsenal saw out the rest of the match, despite some unexpectedly nervy moments.
That’s now 43 points for Arsenal after 16 matches. Remarkable.
In the Premier League era, only three sides have matched or bettered that - Chelsea (05/06), Liverpool (19/20) and Man City (17/18). All three went on to win the league.
No pressure.
Enjoy Arsenal fans!
Simon Collings at the Amex
A big win for Arsenal, who finish 2022 seven points clear at the top of the Premier League. Some shaky moments defensively in that game, but going forward the attack looked excellent.
Odegaard, in particular, has really stepped up recently.
Player ratings
Martin Odegaard 9 | Star player
What a player. The Norwegian is just on another level right now. Scored with a good strike in the first-half, then played a sublime pass to setup Martinelli for Arsenal’s fourth.
FT: Brighton 2-4 Arsenal
Well that was fun!
Arsenal are seven points clear at the top of the Premier League after a really impressive performance, on the whole.
Brighton came on strong in the second-half and threatened a miraculous comeback, but the Gunners just about held firm.
90+4 mins: Gabriel pulling Sarmiento’s shirt in the box, Brighton man stays on his feet.
Comes to Ferguson who gets an effort away at goal, comfortable save for Ramsdale.
90+2 mins: Saliba happy to just head the ball out of play, Brighton still pushing for a way back into this. Really impressive from them.
Four minutes to find two goals.
NO GOAL!
VAR rules it out for offside. Arteta is trying to get his players to stay calm... they’re not listening!
Six minutes added on - Arsenal still lead 4-2.
GOAL! Brighton 3-4 Arsenal | Kaoru Mitoma 89'
BRIGHTON ARE IN THIS!
Mitoma pounce as the ball bobbles up, drives inside and finds the far corner with the help of a slight deflection.