Brighton vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Joao Pedro equaliser secures point for hosts
Brighton 1-1 Arsenal: The Gunners are now five points behind league leaders Liverpool who have two games in hand
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Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal dropped more points in their pursuit of Liverpool in the Premier League title race after a bizarre incident between William Saliba and Joao Pedro resulted in a Brighton equaliser at the Amex Stadium.
The Gunners, freshly renewed in front of goal, were confident that they could collect all three points this afternoon and things started well with teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri cutting in from the right and curling home a left-footed strike that reminded of Bukayo Saka’s best goals.
Arsenal took the lead but then settled for it. They took time out of the match and allowed Brighton possession instead of doggedly hunting a second goal. Fortune then favoured the hosts.
Pedro received a pass inside Arsenal’s box and looked to control it with a header just as Saliba attempted to nod the ball clear. The defender arrived too late and headbutted Pedro resulting in a strange penalty being awarded to the hosts.
Pedro converted from the spot and, despite some attacking substitutions from Mikel Arteta, Arsenal were unable to restore their advantage.
Relive the action with our live blog below:
Brighton’s key man
Since the start of last season, Joao Pedro has scored 13 Premier League goals and provided eight assists, the most goal involvements of any Brighton player.
New year, new start
Brighton haven’t lost their first league game in any of the last eight calendar years. They’ve won three and drawn five of those matches.
Jesus’ resurgence
Gabriel Jesus has scored six goals in his last four appearances. Will he add to his tally today?
Brighton need goals
Fabian Hurzeler’s side have scored just 21 goals at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League in 2024; 25 fewer than in 2023.
Set piece specialists
Arsenal have scored a league-high nine Premier League goals from corners this season, including five of the last 12 they have netted overall.
10 draws for Hurzeler?
Brighton have drawn nine times in their first 19 Premier League games under Fabian Hurzeler.
Only three managers have drawn 10 of their first 20 games in the Premier League: John Lyall in 1992, John Deehan in 1994 and Egil Olsen in 1999.
Arsenal’s winning run
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 12 matches in all competitions, winning nine. They could win four Premier League games in a row for the first time this season.
Another draw on the cards?
Brighton have drawn five of their last seven league matches, including the last three.
The Seagulls could draw four league games in a row for the first time since October 2014 in the Championship under Sami Hyypia.
Brighton vs Arsenal
Arsenal are undefeated in their last four visits to Brighton & Hove Albion, winning three and drawing one.
In comparison, Brighton have won three of the last seven meetings in all competitions, although each win has come at the Emirates Stadium.
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