Pour the champagne. Charge your glasses. Arsenal are top of the Premier League by seven points as 2023 dawns after a stunning 4-2 win over Brighton brought their spectacular 2022 to a close.
MIkel Arteta’s side knew they had a chance to extend their lead after Manchester City dropped points against Everton, and they were in no mood to mess about. 65 seconds was all it took for Arsenal to go in front at the AMEX, as Bukayo Saka got the benefit of a deflection to find half a yard of space in the box and place the ball into the back of the net.
Gabriel Jesus may be out injured, but the Brazilian’s absence hasn’t hampered the Gunners' creativity. The trio in behind the striker, now Eddie Nketiah, are simply sensational and Brighton couldn’t contain them as they ran riot. Captain Martin Odegaard was pulling all the strings and Gabriel Martinelli was constantly finding space on the left wing.
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Between them, they almost produced a wonderful goal. They linked up again wonderfully in the box but they couldn’t turn the ball home before Thomas Partey saw his effort deflected over. The players might well be enjoying a cool beer on the bus home to London tonight, but the Ghanaian will be the only ‘Partey’ they’ll see on this night of celebration.
Arsenal's clinical nature mainly stems from this exciting trio, and Odegaard bagged his seventh goal of the season. The Arsenal captain has become undroppable for Arteta and the teenage sensation is finally living up to his billing. The Norwegian connected with a half-volley just inside the area to strike one past Sanchez and ultimately seal the points, given Arsenal had conceded just four league goals on the road so far this term.
For all of the midfield’s grace and poise, Arsenal still need that clinical striker. To his huge credit, Nketiah has filled the Jesus void absolutely wonderfully and Arteta’s side haven’t looked like a team missing their £40m striker. He made it three just moments into the second half as Martinelli drilled one towards goal, Sanchez made a hash of it and Nketiah reacted quickest to tap the ball in.
As it stands, they'll be 7 points clear of second place going into the new year...
@StreamTvArsenal | #BHAARS
For 65 minutes, it was one way traffic, but after Arteta replaced both full-backs, Brighton responded. Pascal Gross found a pocket of space and slipped the ball into Kaoru Mitoma who scored his first Premier League goal. However, the brief hope from the home side was undone by a sensational pass from Odegaard.
He’s been the finest midfielder in the league since August and produced a moment of magic that even KDB would have applauded. Under pressure in his own half he first time whipped the ball around 50 yards, straight into the path of Martinelli. The Brazilian managed to outrun Tariq Lamptey and find the finish, as Sanchez once again failed to impress.
It was the pass of the season so far, and one that once again put Arsenal in control, although they didn’t make life easy for themselves late on. 18-year-old Evan Ferguson came off the bench and took advantage of some awful defending from William Saliba to poke home his first Premier League goal and reduce the deficit. Mitoma then cut in from the left wing into the box and found a finish via the boot of Rob Holding to send the AMEX wild, but he was ruled offside by VAR.
Brighton couldn’t find anything more and as the corks begin to pop and fireworks start to bang, Arsenal fans will be left extremely satisfied. A huge win and another wonderful attacking performance from the Gunners. 2022 has been excellent but will 2023 see them win their first Premier League title in 19 years? No team has been seven points clear on New Year's Day and failed to win the Premier League.
