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Arsenal’s unbeaten league run stretched to 10 matches after a 1-1 draw against Brighton, but the Gunners were left frustrated at missing the chance to cut the gap to league leaders Liverpool.
Ethan Nwaneri handed Arsenal a halftime lead with a well-taken goal, but Brighton equalized on the hour mark through Joao Pedro’s contentious penalty. The penalty was awarded after a clash between William Saliba and Joao Pedro in the box, with referee Anthony Taylor pointing to the spot after a brief pause.
The match kicked off in freezing temperatures, and the opening 45 minutes saw both teams struggle to create opportunities. However, Nwaneri provided a glimpse of his talent on 16 minutes, handing Arsenal the lead. The 17-year-old received the ball from Mikel Merino, who had found space in midfield, and slipped a shot under Bart Verbruggen, becoming the first player to score more than one Premier League goal for Arsenal before turning 18.
Arsenal controlled the majority of the opening period, but chances remained scarce. Gabriel Jesus nearly continued his hot streak in front of goal, but his header from a Declan Rice corner went wide. David Raya was largely untroubled in the Arsenal goal, although Simon Adingra should have done better than shanking well wide after being picked out in a good position by Matt O’Reilly.
The second half saw Mikel Arteta shuffle his pack, introducing Gabriel Martinelli for his 200th Gunners appearance in place of goalscorer Nwaneri. However, Brighton was awarded the contentious penalty on the hour mark, which Joao Pedro converted to equalize.
The equalizer gave Brighton momentum, and they began urging their team on. Kaoru Mitoma came close to sending Yankuba Minteh’s cross-shot into the net, while Yasin Ayari curled a free-kick wide.
Martin Odegaard was introduced from the bench following the equalizer, but Arsenal struggled to carve out real sights of goal until late in the second half. Thomas Partey headed over a Rice free-kick, and Leandro Trossard blazed the last chance of the night high over the crossbar in added time.
The draw means Arsenal’s three-game winning run in the Premier League has been halted. They will now turn their attention to the cup competitions, facing Newcastle United in the League Cup semi-final first leg and Manchester United in the FA Cup third round. A north London derby against Tottenham awaits when they return to league action on January 15.
