Arsenal missed an opportunity to close the gap on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table after being held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton this evening. The Gunners entered the match knowing they could pile pressure on Liverpool, who face Manchester United tomorrow, but their failure to secure all three points leaves them trailing in the title race.

Brighton, known for their resilience, presented a tricky challenge. However, Arsenal had every reason to approach the game with confidence after their recent victory over Brentford. The Gunners began the match strongly, taking an early lead and dominating the first half with composed play and control in possession. Despite their promising start, the second half told a different story.

The game shifted when Arsenal conceded a penalty, allowing Brighton to equalise and wrestle momentum from the visitors. From that point, the Seagulls grew in confidence and posed a significant threat, with Arsenal struggling to retain possession or regain control. Brighton came close to snatching victory, exploiting Arsenal’s lack of composure in key moments.

The result was a bitter disappointment for fans, as well as club legend Ian Wright, who spoke candidly about the match. Reflecting on Arsenal’s performance on Premier League Productions, Wright said: “Very disappointed with the way it panned out. You take the draw and you move on, there’s not a lot you can do about it. I think in the end, the second half, you look at the bench and there’s not too much apart from Odegaard and Martinelli. You just need a little bit more firepower than that.”

Wright’s comments highlight a recurring issue for Arsenal—depth and firepower off the bench. While the team has shown moments of brilliance this season, such matches underline the importance of strengthening their squad to maintain momentum in critical games.

Mikel Arteta has admitted that his Arsenal team were simply not good enough after they dropped points in a 1-1 draw at Brighton this evening. The Gunners went into the match knowing they had an opportunity to close the gap to the top of the Premier League table to just three points, with Liverpool not scheduled to play until tomorrow. However, they failed to capitalise on the chance, leaving their title hopes dented.

Arsenal started the game brightly and took the lead following an impressive opening spell. However, the match turned when they conceded a penalty, which allowed Brighton to equalise and shifted the momentum of the contest. The Seagulls took the initiative, and Arsenal seemed visibly shaken by the loss of their lead. This lack of composure was reflected in their continued loss of possession and inability to regain control of the match.

Set pieces, a strength for Arsenal this season, were poorly executed on the night, which further compounded their struggles. As a result, the Gunners failed to find the decisive edge and had to settle for just a point in a match they were widely expected to win. This result marks the second time Arsenal have failed to beat Brighton this season, raising questions about their consistency against mid-table opposition.

Reflecting on the game, Arteta expressed his disappointment with the performance and acknowledged his team’s shortcomings. Speaking to Premier League Productions, he said: “Disappointed because we want to win the game, and we started with some good actions and a really good goal. We knew it was going to be competitive and challenging. We did compete, but it wasn’t our best day.”

This draw serves as a reminder that Arsenal must show greater determination and focus if they are serious about winning the league. Failing to beat Brighton over the course of two fixtures does not reflect the mentality required of title challengers. Arteta’s side will need to learn from this setback and find ways to raise their performance levels in matches where points cannot afford to be dropped. With the title race still alive, every result matters, and performances like this will need to be left behind if Arsenal hope to end their season on top.

Arsenal dropped two points on their trip to Brighton this evening, a result that could have far-reaching consequences for the title race. Here are our player ratings:

Player Ratings

David Raya – 6.5
There was little he could do about the penalty, and Brighton’s wastefulness meant he wasn’t tested much throughout the game.

Thomas Partey – 6.0
Solid in the first half but faded as Brighton gained control. Could have done better in key moments when Arsenal needed more composure.

William Saliba – 6.5
Conceded an unfortunate penalty but was otherwise composed and dealt well with Brighton’s dangerous forwards.

Gabriel – 7.0
A strong performance, ensuring Brighton didn’t create clear-cut chances. His physical presence was key to Arsenal’s defensive efforts.

Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw on their trip to the Amex Stadium against Brighton this evening, delivering a significant blow to their title ambitions.

Title-chasing Arsenal started the match in fine form, causing Brighton all sorts of problems early on, with Gabriel Jesus’ tame shot being comfortably saved.

However, Ethan Nwaneri opened the scoring shortly afterwards, following a superb pass from Mikel Merino.

The teenager once again demonstrated why he is more than just hype. But Arsenal knew how dangerous Brighton could be, and the Seagulls began probing for an equaliser.

Simon Adingra came very close to scoring for Brighton, but he lost his balance at the crucial moment, allowing Arsenal to escape unscathed.

Arsenal travel to the American Express Stadium this evening to face Brighton & Hove Albion, and this is the team Mikel Arteta has gone with.

Right now, Arsenal is in exceptional form, riding high on a nine-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League, while Brighton has struggled to find their rhythm, winless in their last seven league matches.

Under Arteta, the Gunners have been impressive, most recently securing a 3-1 victory over Brentford. This win has solidified their position in second place with 39 points, just six behind league leaders Liverpool.

Brighton, managed by Fabian Hürzeler, sits in 10th place with 27 points. Despite their recent struggles, the Seagulls have shown resilience, drawing five of their last seven games. Their most recent match ended in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, proving they can compete with top teams, even during a winless stretch.

The last meeting between these two sides ended in a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium, with Kai Havertz and João Pedro both finding the back of the net. Arsenal has the upper hand in recent encounters, remaining unbeaten in their last three Premier League meetings with Brighton.

Arsenal has reignited their interest in Santiago Gimenez, and this time, the Gunners may finally have the opportunity to secure the Feyenoord striker.

Gimenez has established himself as one of the top goal-scorers in European football over the last few seasons, maintaining impressive consistency. The Gunners had previously been expected to make a move for him last summer, but they opted to focus on signing Benjamin Sesko, a deal that ultimately fell through. Now, at the end of this season, Mikel Arteta’s team is once again in the market for a new striker, and this time, Gimenez has emerged as a strong option.

According to a report from Sport Witness, Arsenal is one of several clubs showing interest in the Mexican forward, who has six goals from just nine games so far this season. At just 23 years old, Gimenez presents an exciting long-term investment for Arsenal, who could add a promising striker to their squad for the future.

The Mexican international has been one of the best strikers in Europe for some time, and with his ability to score consistently, he could offer the Gunners a reliable option up front. Moreover, Gimenez might be content with a role on the bench initially, where he could continue to develop and wait for his chance to make an impact at a top club like Arsenal.

With his impressive form and potential for growth, signing Gimenez could prove to be a valuable addition to the squad. However, other Premier League clubs are also reportedly interested in the striker, meaning Arsenal could face stiff competition for his signature. To avoid missing out, the Gunners may need to act swiftly to secure the 23-year-old’s services and add a talented young striker to their ranks before another club swoops in.

Paul Merson has praised Gabriel Jesus for transforming his style of play, which has resulted in a remarkable upturn in the Brazilian’s goal-scoring form for Arsenal. After enduring a frustrating goal drought earlier this season, Jesus has rediscovered his scoring touch in stunning fashion, netting five goals in his last two games, including a memorable hat trick.

For much of his career, Jesus has not been regarded as a prolific goal-scorer. Instead, he has been admired for his versatility, creativity, and work rate. These qualities often made him more of a supporting striker than a primary goal-scorer, leading to calls for Arsenal to consider signing a more clinical centre-forward. However, the 27-year-old seems to have taken this criticism to heart and has now demonstrated that he can be the reliable goal-scorer the Gunners need with another two goals this evening against Crystal Palace.

Merson, speaking during the BBC’s broadcast of Arsenal’s latest game, noted a noticeable shift in Jesus’ approach on the pitch. The former Arsenal midfielder said:
“Gabriel Jesus has changed his game. He is getting in the box more. He was in the box so much today, and he has realised that assists aren’t enough to get him in this Arsenal team.”

This observation underscores the adjustment Jesus has made to his game. Previously, the Brazilian was known for dropping deep to link up play or drifting wide to create chances for teammates. While these traits were valuable, they often left Arsenal without a consistent presence in the penalty area. Now, Jesus appears to be prioritising his positioning inside the box, where he can capitalise on chances and increase his goal tally.

For Mikel Arteta, this transformation could be a game-changer. Arsenal has an array of creative players who can supply opportunities for their strikers, and having Jesus consistently in goal-scoring positions makes the team more dangerous. His recent run of goals has boosted Arsenal’s attack and provided a timely reminder of his quality.

Gabriel Martinelli expressed his satisfaction with Arsenal’s commanding 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace, calling it a deserved result for the Gunners. The Brazilian forward played a key role as Arsenal ran out impressive winners against the Eagles for the second time in a week.

Palace has always been a tough side to face, particularly at Selhurst Park, where the home crowd creates a challenging atmosphere for visiting teams. However, Arsenal entered the match determined to prove their superiority and delivered one of their most complete performances of the season.

The game started with high energy from both sides, but Arsenal gradually took control. Mikel Arteta’s men pressed aggressively, moved the ball quickly, and created scoring opportunities. Despite Palace’s efforts to disrupt their rhythm, the Gunners’ quality shone through. Arsenal’s attacking players, including Martinelli, were clinical in front of goal, with the Brazilian consistently causing problems for the opposition’s defence.

By the end of the match, the 5-1 scoreline reflected the clear gap in class between the two teams. Arsenal’s attack was relentless, but just as impressive was their defensive discipline, which limited Crystal Palace’s ability to threaten on the counter. This balance between attack and defence is something Arteta has worked hard to instil in his team.

Speaking after the match, Martinelli praised the collective effort of the squad. He told Premier League Productions:

Arsenal earned a superb 5-1 win at Crystal Palace this evening, with most of their players delivering impressive performances. Here are our player ratings:

Starting XI

David Raya – 8.0
Raya was in outstanding form, denying Jean-Philippe Mateta from close range and making at least two crucial saves from Ismaila Sarr.

Jurrien Timber – 7.0
He had a solid game defensively but needs to improve his support for the attack.

William Saliba – 6.0
Saliba was uncharacteristically troubled by Mateta and Sarr today. Not his best performance.

Gabriel – 7.5
Gabriel was at his dependable best, contributing not only in defence but also impressively in the attack.

Arsenal secured an emphatic 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League this evening.

Facing the same opponent for the second time in just a few days, Arsenal started brightly, with the in-form Gabriel Jesus opening the scoring within six minutes.

It was the perfect start for Arsenal, but just five minutes later, the Gunners were pegged back by a goal from Ismaila Sarr.

Palace showed they are a resilient side, but Arsenal quickly regained the lead three minutes later, with Jesus scoring again.

Arsenal knew they needed to shift into a higher gear to pull away from their hosts, and they did just that as they continued to dominate proceedings.

It seems Arsenal’s injury problems are easing at last so Arteta should have a much bigger squad to choose from today, especiaaly in defence. A lot of fans are clamouring for Jesus to start again after his hat trick against the same opponents in midweek, but I’m not too sure he will do that from the start  as he has a lot of top players that were rested on Wednesday.

So this is the team I think Arteta will start with….

David Raya (GK)

Jurrien Timber
Gabriel
William Saliba
Lewis-Skelly

Thomas Partey
Declan Rice
Martin Ødegaard ©

The Carabao Cup semi-finals draw took place Thursday night after our noisy neighbors Spurs beat Manchester United 4-3.

We were drawn to face Newcastle in the Semi-finals, with the first leg set for The Emirates Stadium. Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur will clash in the other semi-final.

Yes, the Magpies have been a difficult opponent in recent times, but we have to go in strong and get the job done.

I don’t know about you, but this is absolutely the ideal outcome and draw for us, and here’s why:

– Newcastle will go into that game with Bruno Guimarães and Fabian Schär suspended for the first leg at home.

That second half appearance against Palace in midweek was a proper captain’s performance from Martin Ødegaard.

There was a few voices of frustration directed towards our skipper in the consecutive draws against Fulham and Everton recently and it wasn’t without merit either, the Norwegian international was certainly off the pace in those two clashes.

But against Crystal Palace recently, he reminded the few complainers of his utter importance to the club, not that he needed to anyway. There was a reason we struggled immensely in the three months he was injured this campaign, he is our orchestrator in chief, providing a solid platform for Saka and our attack in general to feed off.

He showed just this in his second half showing against Palace. In a game where we fairly struggled to create in the first half, it was the introduction of our skipper that provided the catalyst for a win, and he didn’t even start the game. Along with his two assists, he also had an impressive passing accuracy of 91 per cent, two successful dribbles, three chances created and four recoveries in what was a stellar captain’s performance.

What the aforementioned statistics won’t tell you is the amount of times he found his teammates in space with a line breaking pass, we were lacking this in the two previous games in the PL, and I’m so glad we got to see our most creative player knitting together those sort of passes.

There’s no tension around Arsenal Women’s camp concerning their managerial situation, if we are to believe Steph Catley’s latest comments. Speculation has it that interim manager Renée Slegers’ reign as Arsenal Women’s boss ends after Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League final group game against Bayern Munich.

In mid-October, Renée took over as the Arsenal manager on an interim basis. She replaced Jonas Eidevall after the Swedish tactician opted to resign. Eidevall decided to leave after a disappointing start to the season, feeling the team would be better off without him. And certainly, the team has been better.

While one might believe Arsenal Women have never had it easy, knowing who’s perfect to lead their girls, given Renée has proved herself worthy, there’s still a chance she might not become the permanent Arsenal Women manager. Indeed, the mother to a young child, simply may not want the high pressure of the head coach role.

The decision process (both internal and external) for replacing Eidevall is ongoing, causing some uncertainty and tension about who will be leading our Gunner women from the dugout after the winter break.

As tense as we Gooners might feel about the Arsenal decision-makers not being straightforward about who they’ll appoint to replace Eidevall, that tension isn’t shared within the Arsenal camp.

Arsenal v Crystal Palace- predicted lineup.

Arsenal will make the short trip to Selhurst park this evening to take on Crystal Palace in what is a must win game for us. Regardless of the missed opportunities we didn’t take in our two previous matches, this will present itself as another opportunity nonetheless given a win could take us to within one and three points of Chelsea and Liverpool respectively before they play their games tomorrow.

Liverpool will have a tricky assignment against Tottenham away and Chelsea’s encounter with Everton at Goodison Park might also be a banana skin for the Blues. With this said, it is therefore imperative that we get the win today so that we can profit on a potential slip up by the top two. We’ve already beaten Palace in midweek, we should fancy our chances of beating the same opponent again!

Team News.

Ahead of his pre match press conference, Mikel Arteta gave some positive news about the availability of some players with two of them, Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori, being available for selection. The latter will be available after missing the last five games due to a knee issue picked up against West Ham exactly three weeks ago. Arteta also confirmed that Oleksandr Zinchenko could make it just in time for the squad, which means that him and Calafiori’s return will give us more options at left-back after being stretched thin by their injuries. The boss also confirmed the continued absence of Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu with their respective knee injuries.

Though she never got off to a bright start this season, Alessia Russo is now surely silencing her doubters. Over the last two months, the England Lionesses star has really been on the rise. She’s re-discovered her mojo in front of goal. Nowadays, whenever opponents see her in Arsenal’s lineup, they can almost smell a goal coming against them.

In the last 10 games for Arsenal, in all competitions, she’s scored 9 goals, which is quite impressive.

It seems like she’s the only Gunner women star we write about these days, but we can’t help it. She pops up in every Arsenal Women press conference, whether before games or after. Every time interim Arsenal manager, Renée Slegers, has had to answer questions about her.

Ahead of the Arsenal versus Bayern Munich UEFA Champions League clash, the Dutch tactician touched on Alessia Russo’s development and versatility. She raved about how Alessia can turn out as a #9 or a #10, and how she has also highlighted that Alessia can now play as a left winger. It is now about what you need on the pitch from her.

Renée said, “Alessia came in as a 9, but we know she’s good in a 10 position. Because of a couple decisions we made and experiments we were doing, we now know she can also play left wing. Depends on what you need on the pitch. We know that she can play in different positions.”