Brighton vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction as Gunners extend lead at the top
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal take on Brighton with hopes of maintaining their lead at the top of the Premier League table
Premier League leaders Arsenal moved seven points clear at the top going into the new year after a glorious Gabriel Martinelli goal capped a thrilling 4-2 victory at Brighton.
Goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Eddie Nketiah set the Gunners on course for a fifth consecutive top-flight success to cement their status as serious title contenders.
Kaoru Mitoma reduced Albion’s deficit 25 minutes from time before Martinelli, aided by a wonderful Odegaard assist, raced half the length of the pitch to stylishly restore the three-goal advantage.
Seagulls substitute Evan Ferguson increased the tension going into the final stages by claiming his first Premier League goal, while Mitoma thought he had set up a grandstand finish, only for his 89th-minute strike to be disallowed for offside.
Despite the unwanted anxiety of the late drama, the in-form visitors held on to celebrate an impressive victory and take a healthy advantage into 2023.
Follow all the reaction from Brighton vs Arsenal in the Premier League:
Brighton vs Arsenal prediction
This should be a real test for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners and one which could validate their title credentials yet further. The Seagulls are in fine form though and should enjoy success, particularly at home, so we’ll go for an entertaining score draw.
Brighton 1-1 Arsenal.
Brighton vs Arsenal predicted line-ups
Brighton XI: Sanchez; Veltman, Dunk, Colwill, Estupinan; Gilmour, Gross; March, Lallana, Mitoma; Trossard
Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Nketiah
What is the early team news?
The Seagulls will be without key midfielder Moises Caicedo, who is suspended after collecting five bookings this season, meaning Billy Gilmour could start.
Alexis Mac Allister is not due back until the New Year and Jakub Moder is out injured still.
Roberto De Zerbi is also set to be without Adam Webster and Danny Welbeck.
Mikel Arteta must make do without Gabriel Jesus and Reiss Nelson, but Emile Smith Rowe has now overcome his groin problem following surgery.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is close to a return from a hamstring problem, while Oleksandr Zinchenko has recovered and could displace Kieran Tierney at left-back.
How to watch Brighton vs Arsenal
The match kicks off tonight, Saturday 31 December, at 5:30pm GMT.
Brighton vs Arsenal will be shown live on UK TV through Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins from 5:00pm GMT.
Customers can stream the game live online via the Sky Sports app and website.
Brighton vs Arsenal
The late Premier League kick off is at 5.30pm and sees Brighton take on Arsenal at the Amex stadium.
The Seagulls are looking to make it two wins from two after defeating Southampton last time out, meanwhile Arsenal hope to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
This match takes place at the conclusion of the 3pm kick offs. Here’s how things stand as half-time approaches in those four games:
Bournemouth 0-2 Crystal Palace
Fulham 1-0 Southampton
Man City 1-0 Everton
Newcastle 0-0 Leeds
‘These things can happen’: Marcus Rashford explains reason for being dropped by Erik ten Hag
Marcus Rashford has revealed he was dropped by Erik ten Hag for Manchester United after arriving late for a team meeting.
The Dutchman caused a surprise by dropping the England forward from the Red Devils side to play Wolves. Ten Hag would only reveal how Rashford’s issue was due to “disciplinary reasons” and that it concerned “our rules”.
But after coming on at half-time for Alejandro Garnacho and scoring the only goal of the game to take United into the top four, Rashford has discussed his predicament.
Marcus Rashford explains reason for being dropped by Erik ten Hag
The England forward came off the bench to settle the contest at Molineux to boost United’s top four hopes
Rashford’s form continues
Marcus Rashford has scored five match winning goals as a substitute, the joint most in Premier League history. His form is continuing to propel Man Utd up the Premier League table.
They’re now up to fourth.
Super sub Rashford
Marcus Rashford has scored 12 Premier League goals as a substitute with only Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (17) and Javier Hernandez (14) netting more from the bench for Manchester United in the competition.
Marcus Rashford gets the drop on Wolves with late winner for Manchester United
Marcus Rashford climbed off the bench and the naughty step to fire Manchester United to victory at Wolves.
The striker, dropped by boss Erik ten Hag for disciplinary reasons, grabbed his 11th goal of the season to send United into the Premier League’s top four with a 1-0 win.
Alejandro Garnacho had earlier wasted a golden chance, while David De Gea kept out Ruben Neves’ stunning free-kick at the other end.
United have now lost just one of their last 15 games since a 6-3 derby humbling to Manchester City in October, with ten Hag making his mark on and off the pitch at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford gets the drop on Wolves with late winner for Manchester United
The England forward had been named as a substitute for disciplinary reasons.
Wolves vs Man United player ratings: Raphael Varane imperious and Marcus Rashford responds in style
Manchester United had substitute Marcus Rashford to thank as they won 1-0 at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
The forward had been left out of the line-up due to a disciplinary matter but he came off the bench to dart infield and power in the winner with a little over 10 minutes remaining, before his work rate and determination ended in another late strike which was ruled out for handball.
Alejandro Garnacho had the first big chance of the game after intercepting a short pass back to Jose Sa, but the Wolves stopper reacted well.
Antony also had a close-range opportunity, while Wolves were typically blunt despite some good approach play, with Ruben Neves’ free-kick the closest they came to scoring before Rashford won it for the visitors with his late hit.
Here are the player ratings from the game on New Year’s Eve:
Wolves vs Man United player ratings: Varane imperious, Rashford responds in style
Wolves 0-1 Man United: The England international scored off the bench to give the Red Devils three points
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