Arsenal have stretched their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points after beating Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday evening.
The Gunners knew their lead at the top can grow to seven points after Manchester City faltered at home against Everton. Erling Haaland’s 24th-minute opener was denied in spectacular fashion as Demarai Gray scored a stunner to make it 1-1.
When Arsenal geared up for kick-off at the AMEX stadium, they were already four points clear at the top. Mikel Arteta’s side got off to the perfect start as Bukayo Saka netted inside two minutes.
The ball fell to the 21-year-old who was unmarked and he slotted home cooly.
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As the first half went on, Arsenal looked comfortable and was dominating the match. Eventually, they crafted a second goal as captain Martin Odegaard drove the ball into the back of the net following a corner.
The half time whistle went with Arsenal firmly in control, it would take a miraculous comeback if Brighton were to win the game.
Two minutes into the second half, Arsenal went 3-0 up thanks to a good bit of anticipation from Eddie Nketiah, who tapped home after Gabriel Martinelli's low cross was saved by Brighton keeper Robert Sanchez.
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However, there was to be no clean sheet for Arsenal as Kaoru Mitoma finished off a fine Brighton move in the 65th minute to make it 3-1.
Arsenal's three-goal cushion was restored in the 70th minute after a stunning ball from Odegaard found Martinelli who did well to put the ball past Sanchez.
The goals did not stop there as 18-year-old Brighton striker Evan Ferguson capitalised on a William Saliba mistake to make it 4-2.
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Arsenal held on for a massive victory and are now seven points clear of City at the top of the table.
It is a very healthy position for the Gunners to find themselves in as they chase their first title since 2004.
Next up for the Gunners will be Newcastle United on Tuesday 3 January.
Can Arsenal win the league? Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, Football, Mikel Arteta, Brighton And Hove Albion
Marcus Chan