Arsenal go into 2023 seven points clear at the top of the Premier League after an entertaining 4-2 win over Brighton. The opportunity was there for Mikel Arteta’s side to extend their advantage after Manchester City were held by Everton earlier in the day, and the Gunners did just that against a Seagulls side that have regularly caused them problems in the past.
That always looked on track once Bukayo Saka gave them the lead after 65 seconds, before Martin Odegaard continued his sensational form to score before the break. Eddie Nketiah made it three shortly after half-time to seemingly put the Gunners in cruise control. Kaoru Mitoma gave Brighton brief hope of a comeback though, before Evan Ferguson then did the same after Gabriel Martinelli had restored the three-goal advantage. Arsenal saw out the rest of the match, despite some unexpectedly nervy moments.
It means the Gunners go into the New Year with serious title ambitions, as improbable as that seemed even five months ago. Upcoming fixtures against Newcastle, Tottenham and Manchester United will likely prove to be a crucial run.
