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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
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 vs Arsenal prediction
The Seagulls will back themselves to perform in front of their home supporters and with an extended break between now and the next league game they’ll throw everything they have at Arsenal.
The Gunners, knowing they cannot afford to drop points, will start slowly and might even concede first but they’ll respond well and manage to do enough to secure the three points.
Brighton 1-2 Arsenal.
Arsenal early team news
Arsenal were hit by an illness bug ahead of the New Year’s Day fixture at Brentford, with Kai Havertz missing out after coming down with sickness and other players affected. Jurrien Timber is suspended, which will likely mean Thomas Partey moves to a right-back role he has played on occasion this season.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard.
Brighton early team news
Fabian Hurzeler will be hopeful that Pervis Estupinan is able to return after illness, while Adam Webster is nearing his own comeback after a longer lay off. James Milner and Danny Welbeck are among those who remain sidelined.
Predicted Brighton XI: Verbruggen; Lamptey, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Baleba, O’Riley; Adingra, Rutter, Mitoma; Pedro.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage from 5pm GMT. Subscribers can stream the action via Sky Go.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
When is Brighton vs Arsenal?
Brighton vs Arsenal is due to kick off at 5.30pm GMT on Saturday 4 January at the Amex Stadium.
Brighton vs Arsenal
Arsenal can close the gap to Liverpool to just three points as they travel south to take on Brighton.
With Arne Slot’s league leaders not in action until Sunday against Manchester United, Mikel Arteta and his side will hope to put the pressure on with another win after opening 2025 with an impressive fightback against Brentford.
Their hosts are likely to prove tricky opposition, though, having secured a draw in the reverse fixture in a game that saw Declan Rice controversially dismissed.
A run of seven games without a win has rather squandered a strong start under Fabian Hurzeler and Brighton will be keen to regather momentum as the second half of the Premier League season begins.
Good afternoon!
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s Premier League action as Brighton host Arsenal in Saturday’s late kick off.
The Seagulls are without a win in seven matches though they have drawn their last three league games against West Ham, Brentford and most recently Aston Villa. Fabian Hurzeler’s side are in decent form but haven’t been able to convert their nice play in positive results and will hope to change that against the Gunners today.
They have a difficult task on their hands however. Arsenal are one of the most in-form sides in the league. They are unbeaten in 12 matches across all competitions and have won their last three league games by an aggregate score of 9-2. Gabriel Jesus is back to his best goalscoring form and Mikel Arteta’s men have so far managed to limit the loss of Bukayo Saka to injury.
But how will today’s encounter at the Amex Stadium turn out?
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and match action throughout the day so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 5.30pm.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments