Arsenal traveled to the Amex Stadium with the hope of inching their way back toward the summit but ultimately were frustrated with a 1-1 draw against Brighton. The result, while extending the Gunners' unbeaten streak to 10 matches, let slip the opportunity to put pressure on league leaders Liverpool. Adding to the disappointment, the second-half performance and a controversial penalty reinforced the feeling that Arsenal could have left with more.
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Record broken as Nwaneri goes out early
Again, brilliance and poise, as 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri had shone once more. In place of an injured Bukayo Saka, young starlet opens the scoring with a low drive in the 16 minute after an assist by Declan Rice. Not just for the game-winner, his goal was quite historic as well, since it cemented Nwaneri as only the sixth to score more than once in the Premier League before their 18th birthday.
But it was not the night Nwaneri would have wanted. Replaced by Gabriel Martinelli at halftime because of a muscle problem, he left the pitch having scored five in five starts this season.
Brighton takes its chance
Despite a winless streak in their last eight Premier League matches, Brighton found a way to fight back. In the 61st minute, João Pedro converted a penalty to level the match. The decision by referee Anthony Taylor sparked controversy, particularly given the minimal contact between William Saliba and João Pedro. Arteta criticized the call: “I’ve never seen a decision like that in my career.”
However, Brighton did not give up and almost managed to turn it around. Chances by Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh promised much but did not quite work out. With the draw, Fabian Hürzeler's team stays in 10th place with 28 points.
Arsenal misses stars
Without players like Bukayo Saka and with health problems in the team, Arsenal just couldn't turn the tables during the second half of the game. Even after the inclusion of Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard into the line-up, the intensity and creativity couldn't be attained. "We lacked freshness and quality in the second half to dominate the game", admitted Arteta.
The Gunners managed just nine shots in the match, reflecting a lack of offensive fluidity. Gabriel Jesus had a quiet game, and Thomas Partey missed one of the few clear chances late in the match.
Draw's impact on the table
With this result, Arsenal now have 40 points, five behind Liverpool, who still have two games in hand. If they win those matches, Arne Slot's team could open up an 11-point lead.
Arteta, meanwhile, commented on the highs and lows from both sides, commenting that though his back four played incredibly, attacking needed a sharp upgrade. "With the ball, we should have done better. It was a tight game, and just not enough to win."