Arsenal missed the chance to move to within three points of Premier League leaders Liverpool as a spirited Brighton & Hove Albion held them to a 1-1 draw at the Amex Stadium.
As was the case in their New Year's Day win over Brentford, the theme for Arsenal was no Bukayo Saka, no problem - at least in the first half - as 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri sent the Gunners into the break with a slender lead thanks to a historic goal.
The winger's low finish made him the first Gunners player to score more than one Premier League goal before turning 18, and just the sixth overall in the competition, but Mikel Arteta's men were still being asked questions by the hosts.
Those questions eventually proved too much just past the hour mark, as Joao Pedro won and converted a controversial penalty following a 'headbutt' by William Saliba, and Fabian Hurzeler's men looked the more likely to nab a late winner.
While Arsenal have closed the gap to Liverpool in the Premier League table to five points, the Reds have two games in hand and will increase their advantage to eight points by beating Manchester United on Sunday, and the Seagulls sit 10th after a fourth straight stalemate.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
What began as an evening of celebration for Nwaneri turned into a night of misery for Arsenal, who could be both fortunate and unfortunate to leave with a point depending on where you stand on the penalty.
Even after Nwaneri's composed finish, the Gunners were inviting pressure as they engaged in their customary 'control' tactics, doing their utmost to slow the game down as Nwaneri picked up a booking right at the end of the first half for time wasting.
Arteta, taking no chances, brought off the 17-year-old at half time - likely as a result of his yellow card - and there is an argument to suggest that that single caution triggered Arsenal's downfall, as well as the 'headbutt' or 'clash of heads' or however one views the Saliba-Pedro incident.
Nonetheless, one fact that cannot be argued is that Brighton were the much better team in the final 30 minutes, as Arsenal put in another largely toothless performance that raises even more doubts about their ability to sustain a Premier League title charge.
The Seagulls faithful may also travel home disappointed after their side failed to turn one point into three again; Hurzeler is now just the fourth manager in Premier League history to draw as many as 10 of his first 20 matches in the competition.
BRIGHTON VS. ARSENAL HIGHLIGHTS
Ethan Nwaneri goal vs. Brighton (16th min, Brighton 0-1 Arsenal)
ETHAN NWANERI! 🔥
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 4, 2025
The 17-year-old puts Arsenal ahead in only his second Premier League start 😲 pic.twitter.com/NnXFZfrDfq
A moment of history for Arsenal's new Hale End hero! Mikel Merino's delicate ball over the top finds the run of Nwaneri, who has acres of clear grass ahead of him with Pervis Estupinan helplessly tracking back.
The teenager bears down on goal, squares up to Jan Paul van Hecke and calmly guides the ball into the back of the net via the underside of Bart Verbruggen's leg.
After opening his Premier League account against Nottingham Forest in November, Nwaneri is now the first Arsenal player to score more than one Premier League goal before turning 18. Bright future, this kid.
Joao Pedro penalty goal vs. Arsenal (61st min, Brighton 1-1 Arsenal)
Joao Pedro converts from the spot to equalise against Arsenal! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/dbI6H0E9dv
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 4, 2025
One of the more bizarre penalties you will see given, but Brighton care not, as it brings them level!
Saliba and Pedro both go for a relatively low header, and the Seagulls forward just gets there ahead of the Frenchman, who unintentionally connects with the side of Pedro's head with his own noggin.
Anthony Taylor eventually points to the spot after a few seconds of hesitation, and Pedro coolly sends David Raya the wrong way.
MAN OF THE MATCH - JAN PAUL VAN HECKE
© Imago
Standout performances really were few and far between on the South Coast - it would have been fascinating to see how Nwaneri might have performed in the second half - but Jan Paul van Hecke was a defensive rock for Brighton.
The 24-year-old put in eight clearances and won both of his ground duels, while also impressing with the ball at his feet, registering seven accurate long passes from 10 such attempts and creating one chance in a fine display.
BRIGHTON VS. ARSENAL MATCH STATS
Possession: Brighton 45%-55% Arsenal
Shots: Brighton 11-9 Arsenal
Shots on target: Brighton 4-3 Arsenal
Corners: Brighton 2-5 Arsenal
Fouls: Brighton 17-14 Arsenal
BEST STATS
6+1 - Ethan Nwaneri (2 goals) became just the sixth player to score more than one Premier League goal before turning 18 years old after Wayne Rooney (7), Michael Owen (5), Danny Cadamarteri (3), James Milner (3) and Federico Macheda (2), and the first to do so for Arsenal.... pic.twitter.com/ecuruNKeeu
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 4, 2025
#
Ethan Nwaneri's yellow card was Arsenal's ninth for time wasting this season in the Premier League.
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) January 4, 2025
That's more than any other team in the competition. pic.twitter.com/oIgUhlBAMx
WHAT NEXT?
Arteta's Arsenal have just two days to recuperate before going again, as the Gunners host Newcastle United in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final on Tuesday evening.
The North London giants then face another blockbuster knockout tie, as Manchester United arrive at the Emirates for the third round of the FA Cup on January 12, one day after Brighton begin their run in the 2024-25 tournament away to Championship outfit Norwich City.
Ben Knapton
