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      ‘I think we’ve lost him’ – Mikel Arteta gives worrying Ethan Nwaneri injury update after Arsenal’s draw with Brighton

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      MIKEL ARTETA has given a worrying injury update on Ethan Nwaneri.Nwaneri impressed during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brighton.Ethan Nwaneri was subbed off against BrightonCredit: EPAMikel Arteta has given a worrying update on his fitnessCredit: GettyThe midfielder fired the Gunners into the lead in the first half with a composed finish past Bart Verbruggen.However, Arteta subbed him at the break despite being one of the better players.He had picked up a yellow card due to time-wasting for taking too long over a corner.The manager has now revealed that the teenager was withdrawn from the action due to injury.READ MORE ON ARSENALArteta admitted that it is “really bad news” as he insisted Nwaneri was suffering from “muscular issues”.He said: “Really bad news because I think we’ve lost him.”We had to take him off at half-time with some muscular issues.”After Nwaneri came off Arsenal looked a lot less threatening going forward and the Seagulls worked their way back into the game.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJoao Pedro won and converted a penalty after a clash of heads with William Saliba to level the scores.Arteta also revealed his opinion on the decision to award the spot-kick.Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal starHe fumed: “I’ve never seen a decision like this in my career.“I asked the boys, and they have never seen anything like it.”Arteta also admitted that he was disappointed that his side did not claim all three points.He said: “I’m disappointed because we wanted to win the game.”We started the game with good actions and a good goal. We knew it was going to be a challenging game.”We gave too many balls away in the second half and we’re very disappointed with the penalty.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve never seen that in my life – and Saliba touches the ball. [It wasn’t one] for me, no.”We’re playing every three days. I understand how much we want to [win], but in terms of the quality and the consistency and doing the simple things right against a competitive team, we didn’t do enough today.”Arsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri is perfect Bukayo Saka replacement but Gabriel Jesus goes missing against BrightonETHAN NWANERI was the brightest spark on the pitch as Arsenal lost further ground int he title race.SunSport’s Isabelle Barker has given her ratings for the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6The Spanish stopper didn’t have too much to deal with apart from Joao Pedro’s penalty which he went the wrong way for. He couldn’t have done too much about it though, it was a classy finish into the other corner.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Partey was ok to start with at right-back but the experiment still looked unconvincing in the second-half, with him struggling to handle Kaoru Mitoma when the Japanese international came on.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6The French centre-back was solid up until conceding the crucial penalty for dangerous play against Pedro in the box. If it had been a headbutt, Saliba would have been sent off, in fairness it looked as though he was going for the ball, and it was an unfortunate clash of heads.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Started off solidly at the back but faded out with little answers for Brighton’s pressure towards the end.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7Calafiori was superb, particularly in the first half against Brighton, with the stats speaking for themselves. He won the most duels, completed the most take ons and most tackles. He also misplaced just one of his 22 passes.JORGINHO – 6The ex-Chelsea man struggled to receive the ball under pressure, nearly costing Arsenal a goal for the hosts. Generally looked too slow for the game this evening.MIKEL MERINO – 7The Spanish midfielder linked up beautifully with Rice for the opener, producing a lovely pass over the top for Nwaneri to latch onto. Merino faded out towards the end though, looking more sluggish and ponderous on the ball as the minutes went by.DECLAN RICE – 7The midfielder was the furthest forward, pressing the Brighton backline with Jesus and it worked at first.He took on the Odegaard role when Arsenal didn’t have possession. Was involved with first big chance with Jesus and then pulled the strings for Nwaneri’s opener.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6The Brighton faithful were booing Trossard from the get go but he didn’t show up to silence them. The Belgian winger offered very little going forward.ETHAN NWANERI – 8So good from Nwaneri for the opener. He was involved in the build up with Rice and Merino then put on the afterburners to produce a charging run before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.What a good replacement Nwaneri has been for Bukayo Saka. He fits the bill with pace, body shape, and a lovely left foot.GABRIEL JESUS – 5The striker lashed a shot at Verbruggen for an early warning, but he was offside anyway, wasting the delicious through ball from Jorginho. Was virtually anonymous by the end and Arsenal won’t be able to win the league with a striker like that.SubstitutesMARTIN ODEGAARD – 6GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6 More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri is perfect Bukayo Saka replacement but Gabriel Jesus goes missing against Brighton

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      ETHAN NWANERI was the brightest spark on the pitch as Arsenal lost further ground int he title race.Nwaneri continued to impress despite his tender age as he opened the scoring with a composed finish in the first half.Ethan Nwaneri shone brightest for Arsenal on the South CoastCredit: AlamyGabriel Jesus struggled against the SeagullsCredit: AFPHis goal could have been a winner if it was not for a Joao Pedro penalty in the second half.However, the same could not be said for striker Gabriel Jesus.The former Manchester City striker was anonymous against the Seagulls.Jesus’ previous flash of form would have come in handy to stop the Gunners dropping points on the road.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSunSport’s Isabelle Barker has given her ratings for the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6The Spanish stopper didn’t have too much to deal with apart from Joao Pedro’s penalty which he went the wrong way for. He couldn’t have done too much about it though, it was a classy finish into the other corner. THOMAS PARTEY – 6Partey was ok to start with at right-back but the experiment still looked unconvincing in the second-half, with him struggling to handle Kaoru Mitoma when the Japanese international came on. WILLIAM SALIBA – 6The French centre-back was solid up until conceding the crucial penalty for dangerous play against Pedro in the box. If it had been a headbutt, Saliba would have been sent off, in fairness it looked as though he was going for the ball, and it was an unfortunate clash of heads. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Started off solidly at the back but faded out with little answers for Brighton’s pressure towards the end. RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7Calafiori was superb, particularly in the first half against Brighton, with the stats speaking for themselves. He won the most duels, completed the most take ons and most tackles. He also misplaced just one of his 22 passes. Granit Xhaka reveals reason for dramatic new look with ex-Arsenal star having undergone hair transplant JORGINHO – 6The ex-Chelsea man struggled to receive the ball under pressure, nearly costing Arsenal a goal for the hosts. Generally looked too slow for the game this evening. MIKEL MERINO – 7The Spanish midfielder linked up beautifully with Rice for the opener, producing a lovely pass over the top for Nwaneri to latch onto. Merino faded out towards the end though, looking more sluggish and ponderous on the ball as the minutes went by.DECLAN RICE – 7Declan Rice played an important role in the Arsenal goalCredit: GettyThe midfielder was the furthest forward, pressing the Brighton backline with Jesus and it worked at first.He took on the Odegaard role when Arsenal didn’t have possession. Was involved with first big chance with Jesus and then pulled the strings for Nwaneri’s opener.  LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6 The Brighton faithful were booing Trossard from the get go but he didn’t show up to silence them. The Belgian winger offered very little going forward.ETHAN NWANERI – 8So good from Nwaneri for the opener. He was involved in the build up with Rice and Merino then put on the afterburners to produce a charging run before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.What a good replacement Nwaneri has been for Bukayo Saka. He fits the bill with pace, body shape, and a lovely left foot.GABRIEL JESUS – 5The striker lashed a shot at Verbruggen for an early warning, but he was offside anyway, wasting the delicious through ball from Jorginho. Was virtually anonymous by the end and Arsenal won’t be able to win the league with a striker like that.READ MORE SUN STORIESSubstitutes MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6 GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6 More

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      Brighton vs Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Gunners and Seagulls share point as Joao Pedro levels after early Nwaneri goal

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      ARSENAL were held to a draw at Brighton as they failed to close the gap on Liverpool.Teenager Ethan Nwaneri, 17, scored an early goal for the Gunners but Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to create chances.Brighton picked up yet another point – this was their sixth draw in eight matches – after Joao Pedro slotted home a penalty after a bizarre head collision with Gabriel.Earlier, Chelsea suffered yet another slip up at Crystal Palace, while out-of-form Tottenham were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle, Manchester City thrashed West Ham and Brentford piled more misery on Southampton.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Mikel bitter with penalty decisionMikel Arteta immediately went over to confront the officials at the full-time whistle.No doubt he will be telling them that it was never a penalty that was awarded to the hosts.If this was the case, he may need his medication altered as Saliba headbutted Joao Pedro, whichever way you look at it.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedGunners have it all to doArsenal are now five points behind leaders Liverpool.They have some tough games coming up and cannot afford to drop points if they want to stay in touch.Mikel Arteta will see this as two points dropped today.Copy linkCopiedPremier League full-time scoresTottenham 1-2 NewcastleBournemouth 0-0 EvertonAston Villa 2-1 LeicesterCrystal Palace 1-1 ChelseaMan City 4-1 West HamSouthampton 0-5 BrentfordBrighton 1-1 ArsenalCopy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 1-1 ArsenalIgor Julio put in a stellar performance for his team today.He managed to dominate the Arsenal centre midfield and link play for The Seagulls.His evening was ended by injury but by that time, his work was done.Copy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 1-1 ArsenalThe Seagulls probably edged this game over the course of the match.Fabian Hurzeler’s side had a big chance to win it when Minteh wasted the opportunity.Mitoma was completely unmarked on the back post wating to convert.Copy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 1-1 ArsenalThe referee brings the game to a close.Two points dropped for The Gunners.Arsenal just did not have enough creativity tonight.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal90+4. Ayari is booked for a clumsy foul.Rice stands over the free-kick.This may be a last chance for The Gunners.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal90+2. Trossard tries to shoot from distance.It sails over the crossbar.Time is running out for Mikel Arteta’s side.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal90. Martinelli is blocked from advancing.As you can imagine, he hits the floor and stays down like his career is over.Once he realises there is not going to be a free-kick he makes a miraculous recovery.We are going to have six added minutes.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal88. Rice lifts a ball into the Brighton box.Partey has a free-header but sends it sailing over the bar.Calafiori is finally shown a yellow card after about ten fouls committed.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal86. Brighton have The Gunnners pinned back in their own half.The problem for The Seagulls is still that final pass.If they had an Odegaard-type player they would be leading comfortably by now.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal84. Merino is penalised for a foul on Georginio.It was a blatant foul as the player was away from him.Chance for Brighton to ask some questions of Raya.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal82.Minteh is shown a yellow card by Taylor.It was more for his reacted than a challenge at all.He was not happy that he was not awarded a free kick for the pressure being put on him by Gabriel.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal80. Brighton are wasting key moments far too much.At times they seem like their players are not even on the same wavelength.Minteh played a cross come shot heavily across the box earlier when it seemed a goal was certain.he had teammates queuing up to put it in at the time.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal78. Jesus looks to run at the Brighton defence.Fortunately for the hosts, the defender reads it well and robs him of the ball.Rice tries his luck from distance but it is an easy save for Verbruggen.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal76. A loose pass gifts the ball to Pedro.He holds it up until Estupinan comes on the overlap.He looks to lift a ball into the box but it is easily held by Raya.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal74. Calafiori is penalised for yet another foul.That is about four or five during the game now, yet the referee still does not produce a card.Maybe Anthony Taylor is too in awe of his long flowing locks.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal72. Rice takes another corner with a visible tactic in mind.They keep holding a deep one up to the back post.Verbruggen and comes to collect with ease.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal70. We are into the final quarter of the game now.Arsenal seem to have a bit more urgency about their attacking.Pedro plays it to Mitoma and is fouled late by Partey but the referee does not produce a card.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal68. Brighton’s best form of defending their goal right now seems to be putting Arsenal under some pressure.VAR continues to be not fit for purpose.As the penalty was being taken, Jorginho lashed out an opponent with a kick.It was reviewed and cleared as he missed the player and did not make contact.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal66. Igor limps off to be replaced Webster.It seems the defender has pulled a hamstring.Raya sends the ball downfield with a long punt.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal64. Veltman is booked for a heavy challenge on Jesus.Odegaard comes on for Jorginho.The Gunners can ill-afford to drop any points here.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal62. Brighton bring on Mitoma for Adingra.Arteta seems to be breaking the emergency glass on the box he keeps Odegaard in.This should pick up the intensity of the game now.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Joao Pedro (Brighton)Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-1 Arsenal60. The penalty is upheld by a VAR review.To be fair it was never in doubt, Saliba headbutted Pedro.Chance for the hosts to draw level.Copy linkCopied More

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      Brighton 1 Arsenal 1: Gunners suffer major blow in Premier League title race after William Saliba gives away penalty

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      TEENAGE dreams – but for Arsenal, more title agony.Ethan Nwaneri, 17, became the first Gunners player to score multiple Prem goals before his 18th birthday with a fine 16th minute finish in a brutally cold south coast clash.Joao Pedro bagged a penalty to share the spoils on the south coastCredit: ReutersEthan Nwaneri was the bright spark for Arsenal as the teenager bagged the Gunners’ opener.Credit: GettyBut from there, Mikel Arteta watched his side’s performance – and their chances of catching league leaders Liverpool – slip away at the Amex following Joao Pedro’s 61st minute penalty.Back in August, the Seagulls nicked two points off Arsenal at the Emirates in a highly controversial 1-1 draw that saw Declan Rice sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh for ‘delaying the restart’.And yet more dropped points against Fabian Hurzeler’s men will leave Arteta just as seething – especially as Brighton striker Pedro avoided a ban last week for swinging an elbow at Brentford’s Yehor Yarmolyuk.William Saliba’s head contact with Pedro in the box appeared to be a fair challenge until ref Anthony Taylor made a potentially title-defining decision.READ MORE ON ARSENALIt leaves Arsenal five points off Arne Slot’s Reds having played TWO games more. The North Londoners truly need something special to happen to claw this back.Brighton meanwhile continue to reign as kings of level-pegging – winless now in their last eight Prem games but in six of them they have won a point, with 10 draws in total this term.Nwaneri earned a second successive Prem start, but there were changes around him.Rice, Jorginho and Leandro Trossard started while Thomas Partey was at right back in place of the suspended Jurrien Timber.Most read in FootballWilliam Saliba mistimed his header and clashed heads with Joao Pedro in the boxCredit: Sky SportsVAR deemed the clash of heads to be a penaltyCredit: GettyPedro confidently dispatched the spot-kickCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite suggesting he was now well enough to feature, Arteta left Kai Havertz out yet again after the German missed the 3-1 victory at Brentford with a sickness bug.Skipper Martin Odegaard featured against the Bees despite also suffering from the illness, so sat on the bench for this one, alongside Gabriel Martinelli.Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal starRotation is the name of the game for Arteta with nine games in four different competitions to contend with this month.Yet the significance of this one could not be overstated, needing to pile some form of pressure on leaders Liverpool with Prem bouts coming thick and fast in the New Year.Arsenal were back in their bold black strip, one that Arteta likes. The Spaniard believes it strikes fear into opposition players on their own patch, and the Gunners began menacingly.For all the changes in personnel, the visitors were sharp and silky on the ball with Trossard at the heart of it, serenaded by a chorus of boos on his old stomping ground.In-form Brazilian Gabriel Jesus was then slipped in by a crafty Jorginho pick-out.He may have six in his last four in all competitions, but Jesus’ shot was blocked by the legs of Bart Verbruggen before the offside flag was raised.Arsenal were comfortable, but so were Brighton, galloping off on the occasional counter before retreating back in a hurry.With Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel watching on, a spark was needed, and Arsenal got it from their two Englishmen Rice and Nwaneri, combining with some lovely, fluid runs down the right.Ethan Nwaneri tucked away a confident opener for ArsenalCredit: GettyNwaneri then popped up in space, found by Mikel Merino, driving towards goal and scurrying a finish under the body of Verbruggen.It was his fifth goal so far this term, and now just the sixth player to score more than once in the Prem before turning 18, alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and James Milner.If anyone had any doubts over whether this kid is ready for the big time, they have been silenced for good it seems.And what a time to do it with Tuchel watching on. The Enfield-born Hale End prodigy has plied his trade in the U16s, U17s and U19s for England so far. Is another step up now on the cards?Arsenal looked relieved to have found the opener, but then became nervy. David Raya came to the rescue as Jorginho fluffed an overhead kick in his own box.Brighton sensed an opening. Simon Adingra blazed over a glorious chance after another sloppy bit of play from Jorginho.With the game turning gritty, Arsenal turned to their corner prowess, but their opponents had done their homework. Gabriel was double-teamed and then hauled to the ground by Matt O’Riley.It was from another corner that youngling Nwaneri picked up a yellow card for timewasting, the dark arts not going unpunished this time.Arsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri is perfect Bukayo Saka replacement but Gabriel Jesus goes missing against BrightonETHAN NWANERI was the brightest spark on the pitch as Arsenal lost further ground int he title race.SunSport’s Isabelle Barker has given her ratings for the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6The Spanish stopper didn’t have too much to deal with apart from Joao Pedro’s penalty which he went the wrong way for. He couldn’t have done too much about it though, it was a classy finish into the other corner.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Partey was ok to start with at right-back but the experiment still looked unconvincing in the second-half, with him struggling to handle Kaoru Mitoma when the Japanese international came on.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6The French centre-back was solid up until conceding the crucial penalty for dangerous play against Pedro in the box. If it had been a headbutt, Saliba would have been sent off, in fairness it looked as though he was going for the ball, and it was an unfortunate clash of heads.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Started off solidly at the back but faded out with little answers for Brighton’s pressure towards the end.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7Calafiori was superb, particularly in the first half against Brighton, with the stats speaking for themselves. He won the most duels, completed the most take ons and most tackles. He also misplaced just one of his 22 passes.JORGINHO – 6The ex-Chelsea man struggled to receive the ball under pressure, nearly costing Arsenal a goal for the hosts. Generally looked too slow for the game this evening.MIKEL MERINO – 7The Spanish midfielder linked up beautifully with Rice for the opener, producing a lovely pass over the top for Nwaneri to latch onto. Merino faded out towards the end though, looking more sluggish and ponderous on the ball as the minutes went by.DECLAN RICE – 7The midfielder was the furthest forward, pressing the Brighton backline with Jesus and it worked at first.He took on the Odegaard role when Arsenal didn’t have possession. Was involved with first big chance with Jesus and then pulled the strings for Nwaneri’s opener.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6The Brighton faithful were booing Trossard from the get go but he didn’t show up to silence them. The Belgian winger offered very little going forward.ETHAN NWANERI – 8So good from Nwaneri for the opener. He was involved in the build up with Rice and Merino then put on the afterburners to produce a charging run before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.What a good replacement Nwaneri has been for Bukayo Saka. He fits the bill with pace, body shape, and a lovely left foot.GABRIEL JESUS – 5The striker lashed a shot at Verbruggen for an early warning, but he was offside anyway, wasting the delicious through ball from Jorginho. Was virtually anonymous by the end and Arsenal won’t be able to win the league with a striker like that.SubstitutesMARTIN ODEGAARD – 6GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6It is likely why Arteta subbed off his goal scorer at the break for Martinelli, not that it swung momentum back Arsenal’s way. If anything, the opposite.A messy performance bit them on the backside in the 59th minute as Saliba’s head made contact with that of Joao Pedro’s. Anthony Taylor took a long look at it before pointing to the spot.VAR deemed “sufficient contact” had been made. Arteta disagreed. Either way, it resulted in Pedro sending Raya the wrong way in front of a jubilant home support.Desperation crept in. Odegaard was flung on to seize the moment, no matter how worse for wear he felt, but it was Brighton pushing with intent, as if they were the ones chasing the title.READ MORE SUN STORIESAdingra should have converted with a pulsating run and ball across goal. Kaoru Mitoma was inches away from tapping in at the far post.A few wasted free-kicks later, Arsenal trudged off with defeat in their mouths. Next week’s Carabao Cup semi-final suddenly feels very big. More

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      Premier League release statement on Brighton’s penalty against Arsenal after VAR check on William Saliba challenge

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE have released a statement on the decision to award Brighton a penalty after William Saliba headbutted Joao Pedro.Saliba made contact on the Brighton striker using his head but avoided a red card.William Saliba was judged to have fouled Joao PedroVAR confirmed referee Anthony Taylor’s callCredit: ReutersReferee Anthony Taylor did deem the challenge to be a foul however so awarded the Seagulls a penalty, which Pedro converted.VAR reviewed the incident and confirmed the ref’s decision to award a spot kick.The Premier League match centre have since clarified the incident, confirming the decision made by the ref and VAR.It wrote on X: “The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Saliba on Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty.”READ MORE ON ARSENALFans were split on the incident with one Arsenal fan arguing it should have not been a penalty.They wrote: “In what world is this a penalty against Saliba????”A fan hit back, saying: “100 per cent pen. If you go to kick the ball and catch the player late it’s a foul, no different with head! It’s a late foul!”Another added: “Clear penalty!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd a third wrote: “It’s a clear penalty. You can see clearly the tackle stopped Pedro from advancing forward.”Ethan Nwaneri had put Arsenal in front in the first half but they were unable to find another after Pedro’s equaliser, with the match finishing 1-1.Amazon Prime Video presenter and John Legend give fans ‘second hand embarrassment’ after Arsenal’s win over IpswichArsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri is perfect Bukayo Saka replacement but Gabriel Jesus goes missing against BrightonETHAN NWANERI was the brightest spark on the pitch as Arsenal lost further ground int he title race.SunSport’s Isabelle Barker has given her ratings for the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6The Spanish stopper didn’t have too much to deal with apart from Joao Pedro’s penalty which he went the wrong way for. He couldn’t have done too much about it though, it was a classy finish into the other corner.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Partey was ok to start with at right-back but the experiment still looked unconvincing in the second-half, with him struggling to handle Kaoru Mitoma when the Japanese international came on.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6The French centre-back was solid up until conceding the crucial penalty for dangerous play against Pedro in the box. If it had been a headbutt, Saliba would have been sent off, in fairness it looked as though he was going for the ball, and it was an unfortunate clash of heads.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Started off solidly at the back but faded out with little answers for Brighton’s pressure towards the end.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7Calafiori was superb, particularly in the first half against Brighton, with the stats speaking for themselves. He won the most duels, completed the most take ons and most tackles. He also misplaced just one of his 22 passes.JORGINHO – 6The ex-Chelsea man struggled to receive the ball under pressure, nearly costing Arsenal a goal for the hosts. Generally looked too slow for the game this evening.MIKEL MERINO – 7The Spanish midfielder linked up beautifully with Rice for the opener, producing a lovely pass over the top for Nwaneri to latch onto. Merino faded out towards the end though, looking more sluggish and ponderous on the ball as the minutes went by.DECLAN RICE – 7The midfielder was the furthest forward, pressing the Brighton backline with Jesus and it worked at first.He took on the Odegaard role when Arsenal didn’t have possession. Was involved with first big chance with Jesus and then pulled the strings for Nwaneri’s opener.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6The Brighton faithful were booing Trossard from the get go but he didn’t show up to silence them. The Belgian winger offered very little going forward.ETHAN NWANERI – 8So good from Nwaneri for the opener. He was involved in the build up with Rice and Merino then put on the afterburners to produce a charging run before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.What a good replacement Nwaneri has been for Bukayo Saka. He fits the bill with pace, body shape, and a lovely left foot.GABRIEL JESUS – 5The striker lashed a shot at Verbruggen for an early warning, but he was offside anyway, wasting the delicious through ball from Jorginho. Was virtually anonymous by the end and Arsenal won’t be able to win the league with a striker like that.SubstitutesMARTIN ODEGAARD – 6GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6 More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Prem latest as Chelsea travel to Palace, Tottenham LOSE to Newcastle, Man City in action

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      PREMIER LEAGUE action returns TODAY – and there are some huge matches taking place.In the early kick-off, out-of-form Tottenham were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle thanks to goals from Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak.The standout 3pm matches include Manchester City vs West Ham and a London derby between Crystal Palace and Chelsea.Later tonight, Arsenal travel to the South Coast to take on Brighton in a huge clash to cap off Saturday’s Premier League action.Kick off times: 12.30pm/3pm/5.30pm GMTFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…View from SunSport’s Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkThe less said about that abysmal 45 minutes the better.Leon Bailey is having a howler, with Luke Thomas all over him like a rash whenever he is on the ball, so Ollie Watkins has been starved of service.The first shot on target came from Matty Cash in first half stoppage time but Jakub Stolarczyk beat the ball away.At least the second half can’t be as bad …. can it?Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at Vitality StadiumJordan Pickford, watched by England goalkeeping coach Henrique Hilario, kept shot-shy Everton in the match up until the break The No 1 was left screaming at his defence after making yet another great save from Justin Kluivert. Pickford instinctively flipped out his hand to keep out the Dutch striker’s shot after being set-up by Antoine Semenyo.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Andy Dillon at Selhurst ParkCHELSEA holding firm but Palace have threatened.Out on the wing though, Jadon Sancho is putting in a solid performance which is just what The Blues need after losing their last two games.His creativity teed up Cole Palmer’s goal and he has also been back in his own box, defending and bringing the ball clear under pressure.Chelsea’s best player so far of this game.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn at The EtihadCITY would have been flattered to go in at half-time one goal ahead – so to be two in front was a major bonus. The Savinho-Haaland axis that worked so well at Leicester last week was back in effect for City’s second goal just before the break. But it is some way from normal service being resumed for Guardiola’s men – West Ham could and should have had a few goals themselves as they opened the home side up far too easily. Copy linkCopiedHT: Southampton 0-1 BrentfordBrentford have dominated this game and should have scored more.Towards the end of the half The Saints seemed to wake up and start to ask questions for The Bees’ defence.Thomas Frank will be wanting his team to put the hosts to the sword after the interval.Copy linkCopiedHT: Man City 2-0 West HamThe Hammers are being made to pay for failing to take their chances in this game. Lopetegui’s side have created chances but his side have not capitalised and find themselves with a massive hill to climb.An own goal from Coufal opened the scoring before Haaland had an easy tap-in to double the hosts’ lead.Copy linkCopiedHT: Crystal Palace 0-1 ChelseaThe visitors have dominated the majority of the half.As we saw recently against Fulham, The Blues just do not seem able to put games to bed right now.You start to wonder whether they will suffer the same fate, The Eagles have started to create some good chances to get back into this game.Copy linkCopiedHT: Bournemouth 0-0 EvertonNot much to write home about at the Vitality Stadium.The Cherries have had the only chances of the half but have not managed to find a way past Pickford in the Everton goal.Everton are really lacking creativity and have done so for quite a while now, that could be an issue for the remainder of the season unless they address this.Copy linkCopiedHT: Aston Villa 0-0 LeicesterIt has been a real snooze-fest at Villa Park so far.The Foxes will be content going in with their clean-sheet intact.Neither side has managed to create much in the final third.Copy linkCopiedMan City 2-0 West Ham42. Savinho is starting to shine for Pep Guardiola’s side.He does well out wide and as he gets to the byline to cut it back and take Areola out of the game.It leaves Haaland a simple tap-in but that is two goals in two games for the Norwegian.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedGoal – Erling Haaland (Man City)Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea33. The Eagles threaten for the first time in the game.Munoz does well to create the opportunity as he lays it off to Mateta.His first-time shot narrowly misses the post but it seemed to take a deflection off Caicedo on the way through.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn at The EtihadSAVINHO’S cross shot was deflected in by Vladimiar Coufal to give City the lead – but don’t be fooled by the scoreline. The champions were flattered to be ahead and in fact could have been a couple of goals down by the time the opener did come. The ease with which an out of form Hammers side carved the home side open will worry Pep Guardiola. Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Justin Allen at St Mary’sChrist, Saints are the worst team I’ve seen this season … and that includes all the games I’ve watched in the Championship!Kevin Schade made no mistake by slotting Bees into a seventh-minute lead.Brentford fans mocked Saints by chanting: “How s**t must you be, we’re winning away!”Thomas Frank’s men have not won on the road in the Prem this season but they’re good value here so far at St Mary’sCould have been two or three too. Yoane Wissa saw an effort brilliantly saved by Aaron Ramsdale and Christian Nordgaard struck the bar with a header.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-1 Brentford25. This is exactly why the Premier League is a step too far for this Southampton team.Brentford, who are winless in five games, are being made to look like peak Galactico’s at St Mary’s.The Bees should be at least four-nil up even at this early stage, only saves from Ramsdale have kept The Saints in the game.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkTalk about a slow-burner – this game hasn’t even started to smoulder yet!Matty Cash had a header easily saved by Jakub Stolarczyk and Ollie Watkins had a shot blocked by Conor Coady.But the only real noteworthy incident is  Villa skipper John McGinn limping off to be replaced by Jacob Ramsey – to join Diego Carlos, Jaden Philogene and Pau Torres on the Villa crocked list.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Andy Dillon at Selhurst ParkCHRIS RICHARDS has endured a topsy turvy first 25 minutes.The American produced an absolutely class back heel tackle to stop Nicolas Jackson in his tracks as the Chelsea striker burst through in the box.It was a last-ditch lunge with his back heel that underlined why defending is an underrated art form.But then he was completely mugged by Jadon Sancho for the move which led to Cole Palmer putting the visitors ahead.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Nickless at Vitality StadiumEverton were seeing a lot of the ball at Bournemouth but it was the hosts who were making the openings. And it was England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford who came to their rescue on eight minutes when he grabbed Dango Ouattara’s close-range miss-hit shot on the line. The Cherries thought they had scored when Antoine Semenyo volley home Ryan Christie’s cross but the Ghana striker was clearly offside.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea22. Massive chance for The Blues to double their lead.Palmer clips a free-kick into the box and it is flicked to the backpost to an unmarked Jackson.On the volley, he sends it wide of the goal but really should do a lot better from that position.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Everton16. Let off for The Toffees on the south coast.Semenyo seemed to have broken the deadlock as he ghosted in to slot home as the ground erupted.The flag went up immediately and as the replay shows, he just set-off a little too early.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea14. Sancho does well on the halfway line as he dummies and spins to run onto the ball.He collects it and steams down the wing and he lays it on a plate for teammate Palmer.Chelsea have dominated the early stages and deserve to lead.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Cole Palmer (Chelsea)Copy linkCopiedMan City 1-0 West Ham10. No doubt Savinho will try to claim this one.It took such a huge deflection, his only chance of it being credited to him is if Stevie Wonder is now on the goals panel.It completely wrong-footed Areola and gives Man City the lead.To be fair, West Ham should have been in front themselves but Soucek could not convert the chance.Copy linkCopiedOwn goal – Vladimir Coufal (West Ham)Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-1 Brentford6. The visitors have dominated the early stages at St Mary’s.As a ball is threaded in behind the defence, Schade runs through on goal, waiting for Ramsdale to come charging out.He pokes it past him with the outside of his boot and there is nothing the keeper can do to stop him.Copy linkCopied More

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      Manchester United humiliated? Top tips for Score Predictor Matchweek 18 – £250 cash prize!

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      EXPENSIVE Christmas?Play Score Predictor ahead of Matchweek 18 and you could be £250 richer by Monday night.Play now ahead of this weekend’s actionCredit: Dream TeamSimply submit your predictions for the five selected Premier League games and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you amass the most points then you’ll claim the cash prize!Here’s some key stats and facts for each fixture, along with our own predictions…Manchester City v West HamBoth these sides have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six league games.Pep Guardiola’s troops obviously have a much higher ceiling but it remains to be seen whether they have truly reversed their form after a 2-0 win over 19th-placed Leicester last time out.The Hammers mustered some momentum with four results without a loss before all that work was undone when they were mauled by Liverpool last weekend.The worrying thing for Julen Lopetegui is that only the three promoted clubs have a worse goal difference than West Ham at the halfway stage of the campaign.Most read in FootballThe visitors will also be without the injured Jarrod Bowen but it’s easy to envisage Mohammed Kudus causing the hosts some problems in a losing effort.Our Prediction: 3-2 to Man CityBowen is a big miss for West HamCredit: APCrystal Palace v ChelseaThese two sides are separated by 11 places in the table but this contest promises to be competitive if current form is anything to go by.Arsenal are the only team to beat the Eagles since the November international break while the Blues wobbled over the festive period.Chelsea were frustrated by Everton then upset by Fulham and Ipswich.Palace have just won two of their ten home league games this season while only Liverpool have earned more points on the road than Chelsea but Oliver Glasner’s side have solidified in recent weeks, Gabriel Jesus’ haul aside.Our Prediction: 1-1 drawChelsea’s loss to Ipswich has given Enzo Maresca problems to addressCredit: GettyBrighton v ArsenalThe Seagulls are in danger of dropping into the bottom half having gone seven games without a win.No team has drawn as many times in the top flight this season and the hosts would probably settle for a point against the Gunners on Saturday.As for Mikel Arteta’s side, they beat Brentford in West London on New Year’s Day which deserves suitable merit given no team has banked more points at home than the Bees in 2024/25.Arsenal’s underlying defensive numbers have improved steadily although they will be without the suspended Jurrien Timber this weekend.The reverse fixture finished 1-1 at the Emirates after Declan Rice was shown a second yellow card for delaying the restart but Brighton may find it tougher this time around, even accounting for the visitors’ absentees.Our Prediction: 2-1 to ArsenalJesus has been in fine form of lateCredit: GettyScore PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWLiverpool v Manchester UnitedThe Red Devils are 19th in the form table (last six games) right now having mustered just two points, the same tally as relegation-bound Southampton.In contrast, Arne Slot’s side have a six-point lead at the top of the table with a game in hand.Liverpool won 3-0 at Old Trafford back in September courtesy of a Luis Diaz brace and it’s hard to imagine anything other than a comfortable home win at Anfield on Sunday.Furthermore, Mohamed Salah, arguably the best player in the world at present, has an excellent record against Man United and he’ll be licking his lips having seen how Newcastle played through Casemiro and company on Monday night.Ruben Amorim’s men haven’t scored in their last three outings.Our Prediction: 4-0 to LiverpoolSalah always seems to score against Man UnitedCredit: AlamyWolves v Nottingham ForestMonday night’s game at Molinuex could be an unofficial Nuno Espirito Santo appreciation night.Vitor Pereira’s new manager bounce has helped Wolves beat Leicester and Man United before a draw at Spurs last time out.However, key man Matheus Cunha has been slapped with a two-game suspension for his unseemly clash with Ipswich staff last month.More broadly, Wolves remain 17th while Forest have climbed to third after five consecutive victories.Chris Wood and friends have actually performed better away from home this season so a trip to the Black Country won’t intimidate them.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 2-0 to ForestThink you know better? Prove it by playing Score Predictor ahead of this weekend’s action.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Brighton vs Arsenal: Get £60 in football free bets and bonuses with William Hill

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      ARSENAL head for the south coast in Saturday’s evening clash this weekend knowing a win over Brighton will see the deficit cut at the top to three points.And brand new William Hill customers who register an account and stake a tenner will be rewarded with a colossal £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBrighton vs Arsenal: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*How to claim..William Hill £60 bonusVisit the William Hill website on your mobile device HERE*Register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60Place a bet of at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greaterAfter settlement – win or lose – William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonusesWilliam Hill: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Brighton vs Arsenal: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Not got a William Hill account? No problem!It’s really easy to register an account and you can get your hands on that generous £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the footy!Simply register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60After that, stake at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greater.After settlement — win or lose — William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football and in the casino!Brighton vs Arsenal: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More