Mikel Arteta has warned his Arsenal players to be ready for a “big test” at Brighton on New Year’s Eve as the Premier League leaders bid to end 2022 on a high.
Arsenal moved seven points clear at the top of the table when they came from behind to beat West Ham 3-1 at Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day.
The Gunners picked up where they left off before the World Cup and belief is growing that they can maintain their title challenge and stay ahead of Manchester City.
Next up for Arsenal is a trip to Brighton and Arteta has told his players to expect to a tough game at the Amex Stadium.
Brighton beat Southampton 3-1 away on Boxing Day, are seventh in the Premier League and knocked Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win at Emirates Stadium in November.
After the West Ham win, Arteta revealed his message to his squad ahead of the trip to the south coast.
Arteta said: “We will review the [West Ham] game and start to think about Brighton. It is going to be a big, big test against that team and we better be ready.”
Newcastle have moved into second place in the Premier League but Manchester City will look to close to with five points of Arsenal when they travel to Leeds on December 28.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard said: “As we have said many times we focus on ourselves.
“We do not care too much on the other teams, we just focus on ourselves, keep working hard, staying humble and focus on winning the next game.”
