Arsenal’s hopes of closing the gap on Premier League champions Liverpool were dealt a blow as the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw away to Brighton.
Ethan Nwaneri gave the visitors a first-half lead but the hosts hit back after the break, deservedly leveling when Joao Pedro scored from the penalty spot.
Mikel Arteta’s side were perhaps very lucky to leave the south coast with anything, after a spirited second-half display from Fabian Hurzeler’s side could have claimed a first win in seven.
But with five of those games drawn, it was perhaps no surprise that the Seagulls would take a point from a game that drew more interest than excitement.
The result means Arsenal are five points clear of Liverpool, but with the Reds having played two games less.
Brighton, meanwhile, rose to 11th place.
Sharing points in Brighton.
A chance to turn the page quickly on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/OvxH20cvqa
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 4, 2025
How the action unfolded
Nwaneri, on just his second Premier League start, opened the scoring after a quarter of an hour. the teenager finished well after an exciting pass down the Arsenal right involving Declan Rice and Mikel Merino.
From there, the game was largely uneventful. two teams with similar possession styles that seem to cancel each other out.
ETHAN NWANERI! 🔥
The 17-year-old puts Arsenal ahead in only his second Premier League start 😲 pic.twitter.com/NnXFZfrDfq
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 4, 2025
It felt more like a battle of brains than brawn. The lively Simon Adingra had a chance for the home side just after the half-hour mark, but the Ivorian grabbed his shot, which went wide.
Merino then headed home from a corner as Arsenal went into the break with the advantage.
The second half saw changes from both sides. But the momentum of the game remained largely the same.
However, just before the hour mark, the pendulum swung Brighton’s way when they were awarded a penalty after William Saliba was adjudged to have fouled Joao Pedro when he provoked a header inside the box.
In a rather unusual turn of events, Pedro picked up the ball before Saliba headed him as the Brazilian headed away.
Joao Pedro converts from the spot to equalize against Arsenal! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/dbI6H0E9dv
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 4, 2025
Referee Anthony Taylor appeared hesitant at first, but eventually gave the point. The home number nine picked himself up and confidently slotted home the penalty to equalise.
Brighton then went close to taking the lead when Yankuba Midech’s shot narrowly missed the oncoming Kaoru Mitoma.
It turned out to be the last decent chance in a game surprisingly light on clears.
2025-01-04 19:33:00
