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

Arteta insists potential new Arsenal striker needs to be the right fit

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

• Roberto De Zerbi’s men are looking to record back-to-back wins after victory over Southampton
• Arsenal are guaranteed to start 2023 top of the table but will want to maintain their lead over rivals
• 90’ NO GOAL! - Mitoma’s effort ruled out for offside (BHA 2-4 ARS)
• 77’ GOAL! - Ferguson scores first Premier League goal (BHA 2-4 ARS)
• 71’ GOAL! - Martinelli restores Arsenal’s three goal lead (BHA 1-4 ARS)
• 65’ GOAL! - Mitoma pulls one back for Brighton (BHA 1-3 ARS)
• 57’ SAVE! - Gabriel’s volley is kept out by Sanchez (BHA 0-3 ARS)
• 47’ GOAL! - Nketiah taps home Martinelli’s blocked shot early in second half (BHA 0-3 ARS)
• 39’ GOAL! - Odegaard adds a second from a corner (BHA 0-2 ARS)
• 27’ SAVE! - Ramsdale tips Trossard’s long range effort over the bar (BHA 0-1 ARS)
• 15’ CHANCE! - Trossard’s effort turned wide by Ramsdale (BHA 0-1 ARS)
• 2’ GOAL! - Saka blasts Arsenal ahead early on (BHA 0-1 ARS)

[31 December 2022 14:41 · Michael Jones]

Reaction from Luke Shaw

Manchester United defender, Luke Shaw, spoke to BT Sport after the match and gave his opinion on Marcus Rashford and playing at centre-back.

“He [Rashford] is in a really good way at the moment, extremely confident, very positive, he is world class and he can be one of the best players in the world if he keeps going.” said Shaw,

“I’m really enjoying [playing at centre-back], I said to the manager I will play wherever he wants me to. It helps playing next to Varane, I’ve really enjoyed it with him talking to me all the time and helping me. I’m really happy to get the win and keep a clean sheet.

“At a top club like this it has to be like that, there has to be discipline. The manager takes all of that into consideration. People have got away with silly things before. Like you’ve seen today, if you don’t do the little things right then you won’t play.”

[31 December 2022 14:33 · Michael Jones]

FT Wolves 0-1 Man Utd

Wolves have now failed to score in nine of their 17 Premier League games this season. They need to bring in reinforcements during the January transfer window and have already signed Matheus Cunha.

It’s unlikely that they’ll stop with just one new forward too.

[31 December 2022 14:30 · Michael Jones]

FT Wolves 0-1 Man Utd

That win moves Manchester United up to fourth ahead of Tottenham. They’ll start 2023 in the Champions League places as Spurs their next fixture on New Year’s Day.

Wolves will begin the new year in the bottom three with 13 points from 17 games.

[31 December 2022 14:27 · Michael Jones]

FT Wolves 0-1 Man Utd

Marcus Rashford is Manchester United’s matchwinner. This is becoming a habit for him.

(PA)

(REUTERS)

[31 December 2022 14:24 · Michael Jones]

Full-time: Wolves 0-1 Man Utd

90+5 mins: There goes the whistle! Marcus Rashford was left out of the starting line-up for disciplinary reasons but his team needed him to get the win.

Rashford came on at half-time and changed the game for Man Utd. He scored the only goal of the game and sends United into the top four.

[31 December 2022 14:22 · Michael Jones]

Wolves 0-1 Man Utd

90+3 mins: Save! Jonny swings a corner into the middle of the box and perfectly picks out Raul Jimenez who powers a header at goal.

David De Gea has to react from point blank range but manages to get his gloves up to keep out the effort. Harry Maguire completes the clearance.

[31 December 2022 14:20 · Michael Jones]

Wolves 0-1 Man Utd

90+2 mins: Wolves are pressuring United now. They’re the team most likely to score with Erik ten Hag’s men looking to hold onto this lead.

Harry Maguire and Anthony Elanga come on for the final few minutes as Wolves win a corner. Bruno Fernandes and Antony are the men taken off.

[31 December 2022 14:19 · Michael Jones]

Wolves 0-1 Man Utd

90 mins: There’s only going to be five minutes of stoppage time added on but it could easily have been double that. Traore loses the ball on the edge of United’s box but Van de Beek gives it straight back to the host with a poor through ball for Marcus Rashford.

[31 December 2022 14:17 · Michael Jones]

Wolves 0-1 Man Utd

88 mins: Traore tries to get Wolves up the pitch and brings the ball down the right wing. He looks for a one-two with Jimenez but the return ball isn’t on and Malacia intercepts before clearing the danger for Manchester United.

[31 December 2022 14:14 · Michael Jones]

NO GOAL! Wolves 0-1 Man Utd

85 mins: A fairly simple decision for VAR this time. The rebound hit Marcus Rashford on the hand before bouncing into the back of the net so the goal gets chalked off!