Arsenal's hopes of closing the gap with Liverpool, leaders of the English Premier League, suffered a severe blow, as Arsenal tied with its host Brighton 1-1.
Ethan Nwaneri put the visitors ahead in the first half, but the hosts responded in the second half and deserved a draw when Joao Pedro scored from a penalty kick.
Mikel Arteta's side were perhaps a little lucky to leave the south coast with anything to do after a spirited second-half display from Fabian Horzler's side could have secured their first win in seven.
But given that five of those matches were draws, it was perhaps not surprising that the Seagulls took one point from a match that was more interesting than exciting.
The result means Arsenal are five points clear of Liverpool but with the Reds playing two fewer games.
Meanwhile, Brighton moved up to 11th place.
Sharing the points at Brighton.
A chance to turn the page quickly on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/OvxH20cvqa
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 4, 2025
How the work unfolded
Nwaniri, who started for only the second time in the English Premier League, opened the scoring after a quarter of an hour. The teenager finished well after a crucial pass play down Arsenal's right flank that involved Declan Rice and Mikel Merino.
From there, the match was largely uneventful; Two teams with similar possession-based styles seem to cancel each other out.
Ethan Nwaniri! 🔥
The 17-year-old puts Arsenal ahead in his second Premier League match 😲 pic.twitter.com/NnXFZfrDfq
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 4, 2025
It seemed more like a battle of brains than a battle of brawn. The brilliant Simon Adingra had the opportunity for the hosts shortly after the half-hour mark, but the Ivorian player shot the ball wide of the goal.
Merino then headed home a corner kick as Arsenal went into the break with the advantage.
The second half witnessed substitutions from both sides. But the momentum of the game remained largely the same.
However, just before the hour mark, the pendulum swung Brighton's way when they were awarded a penalty after William Saliba was adjudged to have fouled Joao Pedro when he challenged with a header inside the box.
In an unusual turn of events, Pedro flicked the ball up before Saliba caught it with his head as the Brazilian spun wide.
Joao Pedro scores from a penalty kick and equalizes the score against Arsenal! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/dbI6H0E9dv
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 4, 2025
Referee Anthony Taylor seemed hesitant at first but eventually awarded the penalty. The home team's number nine gathered himself and confidently slotted home the penalty to level the scores.
Brighton then went close when Yankuba Mente's cross evaded the oncoming Kaoru Mitouma.
It proved to be a decent last chance in a game that was surprisingly light on clear-cut chances.
