Arsenal Brighton: A spirited second-half performance has given Arsenal hope that their title quest can turn around, and the win over Brighton was the perfect way to ring in the new year. It also allowed Mikel Arteta to celebrate that his side has not lost a Premier League match since December 1.
The Gunners were under pressure in the first half, but their control of midfield allowed them to carve open a defense that has been woeful this season. They took the lead from Gabriel Martinelli’s teasing ball in.
Goals
Arsenal moved seven points clear at the top after a really impressive performance in a 4-2 win over Brighton on the south coast. Goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Eddie Nketiah set them up for a fifth consecutive top-flight success to cement their status as genuine title contenders.
The Gunners started the game well and took a 2-0 lead thanks to a stunning strike from Saka after just 66 seconds. The winger then played a sublime pass to set up Gabriel Martinelli for the fourth on 71 minutes.
Albion had their chances in the second half but could not quite find a way to return to the game. Kaoru Mitoma and Evan Ferguson gave them hope in the closing 25 minutes, but it was the home side who could see out the win.
The victory was big for Arteta’s men as they look to close out 2022 in style. They were far shakier in the second half than Arteta would have wanted, but there was no doubting their performance.
First half
It was a good first half, reflecting the confidence and momentum permeating Arteta’s side. Bukayo Saka scored the opener in five minutes, and Martin Odegaard added the second to make it 2-0 before halftime.
Brighton did not come close to matching the frantic pressing of Palace, but their sustained pressure and ability to hold possession were enough to keep Arsenal nervous. And the hosts could only find their feet for a few minutes before Evan Ferguson turned home a debut goal.
The goal came after a brilliant Brighton move from Pascal Gross. He slid a clever ball to Mitoma, who drove it home.
It was an impressive display from both sides and a great result for the visitors. It puts them on course to go seven points clear at the top, though they face tough tests over the next few games.
Second half
League leaders Arsenal continued their unbeaten start to the new year by defeating Brighton 4-2 at the Falmer Stadium. Having won their previous four league matches, Arsenal is now seven points clear of Manchester City in second place.
The Gunners dominated the first half, with Bukayo Saka opening the scoring with a brilliant strike before Martin Odegaard and Eddie Nketiah both scored to give them a comfortable lead at the break. But Kaoru Mitoma pulled one back to deny the home side a clean sheet.
After a great Brighton move, the Japanese pounces on Gross’s reversed ball and slides past Aaron Ramsdale to score. It’s a deserved goal.
Brighton has pushed for an equalizer, though De Zerbi has made a few changes to the line-up. Teenager Evan Ferguson has come on for Lallana, and Jeremy Sarmiento is on for Trossard. It’s a much-needed change for the hosts.
Final score
Arsenal is seven points clear at the top of the table after a superb win over Brighton tonight. The performance reflected
the Gunners’ usual style of football:
Interchanging midfielders
Piercing runs from deep positions
Intricate passing on the edge of the opposition’s box
Brighton’s defense looked a little suspect at times, but they were largely solid and did not allow too many chances to Arsenal. They also shut down the dangerous counter-attacks that the Gunners often launch from central areas.
The final score was underwhelming, but it is important to remember that Arsenal could only take the win thanks to some excellent finishing from their attackers. Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, and Gabriel Martinelli all scored early in the first half to give the Gunners a lead they never looked back on.
However, Kaoru Mitoma pulled a goal back in the 65th minute after Pascal Gross sent him through on the left. A few minutes later, Evan Ferguson netted his first goal for Brighton before a late Mitoma shot was ruled out for offside.
