Arsenal’s hopes of closing the gap on runway Premier League leaders Liverpool were dealt a blow as the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw away at Brighton.
Ethan Nwaneri gave the visitors a first-half lead but the hosts hit back after the break, deservedly levelling when Joao Pedro scored from the penalty spot.
Mikel Arteta’s side were perhaps a touch fortunate to leave the south coast with anything after a spirited second-half showing from Fabian Hurzeler’s team could have yielded a first win in seven.
But given that five of those games have been draws, it was perhaps unsurprising that the Seagulls would get a point from a game that intrigued more than it excited.
The result means Arsenal move to within five points of Liverpool but with the Reds having played two games fewer.
Brighton, meanwhile, move up to 11th.
Sharing the 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 only his second Premier League start, opened the scoring after a quarter of an hour; the teenager finishing well following an incisive passage of play down Arsenal’s right-hand side involving Declan Rice and Mikel Merino.
From there, the game was largely uneventful; two teams with similar possession-based styles appearing to cancel one another 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 like more like a battle of brains than brawn. The lively Simon Adingra had a chance for the hosts shortly after the half hour mark but the Ivorian snatched at the shot, which ended up well wide of the goal.
Merino then headed over from a corner as Arsenal went into the break with the advantage.
The second half prompted substitutions from both sides. But the momentum of the game remained largely the same.
However, just before the hour mark, the pendulum swung the way of Brighton when they were awarded a penalty after William Saliba was adjudged to have fouled Joao Pedro when challenging for a header in the box.
In a rather unusual turn of events, Pedro flicked the ball up before being caught by Saliba with his head as the Brazilian swivelled away.
Joao Pedro converts from the spot to equalise against Arsenal! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/dbI6H0E9dv
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 4, 2025
Referee Anthony Taylor appeared initially hesitant but eventually awarded the spot kick. The host’s number nine picked himself up and confidently dispatched the penalty to level the score.
Brighton then went close to taking the lead when Yankuba Minteh’s shot-cum-cross narrowly evaded the oncoming Kaoru Mitoma.
It proved to be the final decent chance in a game surprisingly light on clear-cut ones.
