Premier League Points Mean Prizes for Arsenal and Brighton

Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion

The amount of Premier League points up for grabs over the festive period is plentiful so, if Arsenal are to end their near two decade wait for English football’s top prize, they could start with bouncing back this Sunday.

Last time out, manager Mikel Arteta said his side had enough chances to have avoided a defeat at Aston Villa.

But defeat they endured and, watching from the stands at Villa Park as he served a one-match suspension from the dugout, his frustration was clear as the Gunners conceded top spot.

It was in stark contrast to four days earlier when they grabbed a last-gasp winner to deflate spirited Luton Town after the Hatters had pushed them all the way at Kenilworth Road.

Now the North Londoners need to get their shooting boots on and for the stars to align as they welcome Brighton to the Emirates Stadium and then travel to Merseyside to face Liverpool, both games when their title charge came unstuck last term.

Talking Points

It was in May when Arsenal effectively kissed goodbye to their hopes, and a 3-0 home reverse to Brighton was basically the result that crucified them.

After a goalless first half, the Seagulls took charge, and goals from Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav, and Pervis Estupinan won the day comprehensively.

It was the near culmination of a month from hell which all began on Easter Day at Anfield. On that occasion, Arsenal led 2-0 and were in control of the contest, silencing the home fans.

Yet they lost their composure and were pegged back in a 2-2 draw which ceded their advantage in the title race to Manchester City and sparked a run of four games without a win and just two victories in eight.

They can ill afford the same again in the run-up to Christmas or the tag of being unable to sustain a title challenge may stick.

Last season was different as they overachieved and over performed under Arteta’s able stewardship.

This time, following a £200 million summer outlay, the expectation is higher, the pressure greater, the demands clear.

If Arsenal were one of the surprises of the season for two thirds of the campaign, Brighton were probably the team of the season.

The Seagulls qualified for Europe for the first time and enjoyed numerous Premier League 2023 highlights as they finished in sixth place – all this under the impressive young manager Roberto De Zerbi once Graham Potter had left for Chelsea in September and after selling a host of their best players.

History

Arsenal have defeated Brighton 15 times in history – nearly twice as many as the other way round (eight) – but you might expect that figure to be higher given the differing resources between the club from the capital and the club from the south coast.

A further five meetings have ended all square.

The Seagulls have shocked the Gunners three times in 18 months.

They famously won at the Emirates Stadium in April 2022 – a 2-1 victory, sealed by goals from Leandro Trossard (now of Arsenal) and Enock Mwepu (Martin Odegaard replied for the home side) which proved costly in the Gunners’ chase for a top four finish.

Then in November last year, the third round of the League Cup saw Nketiah put Arsenal in front before Danny Welbeck levelled from the penalty spot against his former club, and Kaoru Mitoma and Tariq Lamptey took control in the second half to seal an impressive 3-1 success.

Then there was the 3-0 win at the Emirates in May.

Believe it or not, Arsenal have only won three of their last 12 meetings against the Seagulls in all competitions.

Their very first meeting was in the FA Cup in 1935 when goals from the legendary Ted Drake and Joe Hulme sealed a 2-0 victory for Arsenal.

Betting Tip

Arsenal were much changed in their draw at PSV Eindhoven in Europe in midweek, and that means the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko (both rested), Ben White, Martin Odegaard, and Declan Rice (second-half substitutes) should be fresh for this encounter.

With Brighton possessing a much smaller squad and injury hit, as well as being in action on Thursday night against Marseille – although they have already qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa League – no wonder the hosts are clear favourites with the SBOTOP Premier League 2023 betting odds.

The 1X2 Draw @ 4.26 may appeal, and a re-run of the corresponding fixture last term is available with Correct Score @ 165.00.

I think Arsenal will have the edge here, though, in both halves.

 

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