'We could not dominate the game'published at 20:34 4 January
20:34 4 January
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Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has been speaking to Match of the Day about the result: "You can see from my expression that I am frustrated and disappointed. We could have done better, for sure.
"The good thing is that we have another game in two or three days and we are already thinking about that.
"The first 25 minutes was how Arsenal should play and then we could not dominate the game.
"From tomorrow, we will forget about this game and think about the next one. The season is so long."
'I have never seen something like this penalty in my life'published at 20:29 4 January
20:29 4 January
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day following the game: "First of all, I'm disappointed with the result especially when we started the game quite well and scored a beautiful goal. Then we lacked control, gave the ball away and we didn't do the simple things well enough to be really on top of the game and have the dominance we required.
"The game was always open without really conceding anything."
On the Brighton penalty: "We are really disappointed with the decision that leads to the goal because I have never seen something like this in my life. He touches the ball as well."
On the second-half performance: "We did a lot of things not to the standard with the ball, so we didn't get any momentum. We never got set in areas so that afterwards we could generate chances and counter-press in the right moment.
"We conceded one chance when we had 10 players on the floor and [Yankuba] Minteh takes off. I think we have to do much better things than today and unfortunately we lost two points."
On Ethan Nwaneri: "Really bad news because I think we have lost him. We had to take him off at half-time with some muscular issues."
Brighton 1-1 Arsenal: Key statpublished at 19:48 4 January
19:48 4 January
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Arsenal have failed to win four of their last nine Premier League games when leading at half-time (W5 D4), having won 22 consecutive such matches prior to this run.
Brighton 1-1 Arsenal - send us your thoughtspublished at 19:31 4 January
Sutton's predictions: Brighton v Arsenalpublished at 11:20 4 January
11:20 4 January
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.
For week 20, he takes on The Zutons frontman Dave McCabe, who supports Liverpool.
Sutton's prediction: 1-2
I was very impressed with the way Arsenal beat Brentford without any fuss on Wednesday.
The Gunners were without Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, and Declan Rice did not start, but it did not matter. They just got on with it and did not seem to panic when they went a goal down.
With Brentford's home form being so strong I thought it would be a close game - but it really wasn't in the end.
It was a very mature performance and that bodes well for the second half of the season, which is when they really got going last year.
I would not describe this as an easy fixture for them, especially because they need to win it. Brighton have not won any of their past seven games but they have drawn five of them and are turning into the Premier League's draw specialists.
But there is more to come from Mikel Arteta's side and I look at them and think they will get the job done here too.
McCabe's prediction: 1-2
Arsenal are looking good. They are calm, even when they go a goal down.
Who will secure Champions League football?published at 17:53 3 January
17:53 3 January
As we enter a new calendar year and the halfway point of the season, the Opta Supercomputer has been busy making its predictions.
But who has the best chance of securing Champions League football next season?
With England given a 97.8% chance of finishing in the top two of Uefa's coefficients rankings and receiving a bonus place in next season's competition, it is highly likely to be a race to finish in the top five of the Premier League this campaign.
One team essentially guaranteed a Champions League spot season, according to the Supercomputer's simulations, is high-flying league leaders Liverpool (100%).
Following closely on their heels are Arsenal and Chelsea, who occupy second and fourthgoing into this weekend's fixtures, with a 99.8% and 91.7% chance of finishing in the top five respectively.
Despite their unprecedented drop-off in form over the past two months, Manchester City fans will be pleased to hear Opta still gives them a 89.1% chance of clinching the potential final Champions League spot next season.
It then becomes a hotly fought battle between two of the most in-form teams in the league right now.
Despite third-placed Nottingham Forest's incredible campaign so far, Nuno Espirito Santo's side still fall below Newcastle United in the predictions for fifth place - with a 33.6% chance compared to the Magpies' 44.6%.
Four teams still have an outside chance of getting that coveted spot, with Aston Villa (13.8%), Bournemouth (9.8%), Fulham (6.2%) and Tottenham (5.4%) in the race.
What does future hold for Arsenal teenager Heaven?published at 15:11 3 January
15:11 3 January
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Arsenal defender Ayden Heaven is the subject of speculation in the January transfer window.
The 18-year-old made his debut in a Carabao Cup tie in October, highlighting how highly rated he is at Hale End, but the centre-back now has just six months left on his current contract.
The Gunners are believed to be in talks on renewing Heaven's deal and are looking to convince him with a favourable pathway.
However, there is speculation about interested clubs trying to poach him, such as European giants Borussia Dortmund and Ajax, who specialise in bringing through youth talent.
Heaven is a left-footed centre-back, who can also play left-back, while also an England Under-19 international, but who is he and why is he so highly rated?
Image source, Getty Images
Heaven was let go by West Ham as a youngster - at the time a forward trying to follow in the footsteps of his early idols Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott.
He organised trials at every club in London upon his release and getting into Arsenal's academy was a dream move considering the Gunners were his boyhood club.
The switch to become a defender came around the age of 14 after a significant growth spurt.
Heaven began watching William Saliba, a player he has built a close personal bond with - but also Antonio Rudiger, Virgil van Dijk and Alessandro Bastoni.
Much of Heaven's spare time is spent watching Europe's best defenders - as he looks to develop into a Premier League-level player.
But he is up against it because, in English football, it is harder for young centre-backs to break through than players in any other position.
Arsenal's academy looks like it is making progress under Per Mertesacker's leadership as top starlets, including 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, are breaking through into the first team picture.
However, the level the Gunners have risen has meant some talents, like Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Amario Cozier-Duberry, leaving the club.
What Heaven's future holds remains to be seen, but the fact he has many good relationships at Arsenal may ease negotiations.
Image caption,
Ayden Heaven, pictured at age seven
Arteta on managing Rice, transfer window and Jesus formpublished at 10:57 3 January
10:57 3 January
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at Brighton (kick-off 17:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Arteta confirmed Kai Havertz will be available after recovering from illness and added: "The ones with illness, I think are going to be OK. They will train today and if everybody is fine then they will be available."
He also said Raheem Sterling is "starting to do some stuff on the pitch", but Ben White is "still a few weeks away". Meanwhile, they will have to see how quickly Takehiro Tomiyasu "progresses and how he reacts" after his long-term injury.
On whether he is trying to manage the minutes of Declan Rice, who was on the bench against Brentford: "In his case especially, because he's played so much football. We had nine games in this period and he has had some niggles in the past few games where he had to come off. We have to manage every player and he is not an exception."
The Gunners boss was unsure if they will be active in the transfer window as "the focus is on the players that we have", but added: "If there is somebody in the market we can afford and we believe will have a real impact on the team then we have to be open for that possibility always."
On if players, such as Kiernan Tierney, will be allowed to leave: "All the players that are here, they want to focus on performing and impacting the team. If something happens there then we will assess it."
Arteta said teenager Ethan Nwaneri is "a player who can play in various positions" in the absence of Bukayo Saka and, despite not having played a lot on the right wing, he "can adapt to the demands that we have in a few different positions".
On how he has helped forward Gabriel Jesus through poor goalscoring form: "It's about supporting our players. The players know they have to go through some periods sometimes which is not how they planned."
He added: "As well, they have to believe in themselves and we have to make sure that if one day they doubt, we are there to recognise and make sure they feel from our side how much we like them and how happy we are to have them."
Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has scored in each of his past four Premier League games against Brighton, netting in all three against the Seagulls so far for Arsenal.
Gossip: Gunners could pay £48m for Williamspublished at 07:45 3 January
07:45 3 January
Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams, 22, is a target for Arsenal and the Premier League club could trigger the Spain international's £48m release clause. (Football Transfers), external
'Dynamic' Marmoush at 'a different level'published at 15:30 2 January
15:30 2 January
Image source, Getty Images
Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush is "going to be a superstar", says German football expert Raphael Honigstein.
The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League after an impressive first half of the campaign that has seen him score 18 goals and provide 12 assists in just 24 games.
It is form not too dissimilar to that of his international team-mate Mohamed Salah, drawing understandable parallels between the two.
"A really dynamic, wide forward who can play through the middle - he is not really a winger and he is not really a centre-forward; he is in between," Honigstein told the BBC Euro Leagues podcast.
"Some people have compared him to his compatriot Mohamed Salah. He is perhaps not quite as tricky and explosive but his finishing is incredible. He is one of those players that came to Germany when he was 18 and for six years and you think 'OK, interesting player but probably not really going to set the world alight,' then suddenly this season he has absolutely exploded to a different level.
"It is to the point we are talking 60-70m euros, maybe 80m euros, in the transfer market. There will be a big move ahead for him and that is why he is one to watch because it is very unlikely Eintracht Frankfurt will stick with him. Some big clubs will come in for him and, if he continues on the same path, he is going to be a superstar.
"He will be a great buy for whoever gets him."
French football journalist Julien Laurens agreed, saying: "He can probably get even better because he is still young. He has had to wait for his career to click and now he has got that confidence and momentum.
"If he plays with better players in big clubs with better coaching, then there is even more to come from him."
Arsenal had 'balance to the attack without Saka'published at 11:51 2 January
11:51 2 January
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal showed their "resilience" to win at Brentford as they belied the absence of Bukayo Saka to recover from a goal down, says broadcaster and writer Henry Winter.
That victory moved the Gunners up to second in the Premier League table, six points off leaders Liverpool, albeit having played a game more.
"They [Liverpool] are a formidable team ahead of them so Arsenal absolutely cannot slip up," Winter told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast. "They showed last night their resilience was there. They showed a few more of their set-piece moves.
"The exciting thing from an Arsenal perspective is the performance of [Ethan] Nwaneri, who is 17 and still at that age where they have to have a separate dressing room and then they join everyone for Arteta's team talk before they go out.
"He is so young, but what a player he is. No one can replace Bukayo Saka but he [Nwaneri] was fantastic down the right."
There was concern how the loss of star player Saka to a hamstring injury might affect Arsenal, but Winter feels the attacking performance was "encouraging".
"He [Gabriel Jesus] has had a few injuries, a few wobbles," Winter said. "People have been debating his best position, whether it is in off the left. They have also debated whether Arsenal need a centre-forward, but Jesus has come in and scored a poachers goal against Brentford.
"That is what Arsenal need. They need the scrappy goals as well as the well-worked set-pieces and ones from range. That was encouraging and there was a sort of balance to the attack without Saka."
Kev: Outplayed by a superior team. Compared to them we were weak at the back and created too few chances. Second half in particular completely impotent.
Ian: A game of fine margins. Some poor referee decisions and four goals. This game had it all. Brentford's season will not fall into obscurity as posted by a reporter after the game. Like all teams, Brentford have had their fair share of injuries but they get on with it. We will go again at St Mary's this Saturday.
AC: We have the most injuries in the league, and have had for about three months. So where we are in the table is fine. The defence needs strengthening so the collective level can be more easily maintained. The increase in quality provided by the summer signings is why we are not suffering like last season.
Peter: The first two goals we conceded were down to poor goalkeeping by Mark Flekken. When will Thomas Frank own up to the fact that he just isn't good enough for the Premier League? How many more games do we have to give away till the penny drops?
Arsenal fans
Tim: Comfortable victory and did not need to get out of first gear. Good to have Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli among the goals. Big performance from Thomas Partey and the ability to rotate is an added bonus.
Kevin: We showed pure grit. After the Brentford goal, everyone kept their nerve. They are one of the hardest teams to beat at home, so if we keep this level up, the title is in our reach.
Savs: Excellent result and decent performance considering Brentford's home record and them going one up. Thought we were a bit open in the first half but the second half reminded me of last season when we were relentless. Well played Martinelli and Partey (again).
Guy: Ethan Nwaneri is a very exciting prospect. He could be exactly what we need while Bukayo Saka is out injured. I don't think we will have enough to catch Liverpool but hopefully we can cement second again. I still think we need to buy a proper striker in January.
Back in the title race?published at 09:20 2 January
09:20 2 January
Arsenal moving up into second in the Premier League and within six points of leaders Liverpool dominates the back pages of Thursday's newspapers.
The only game to be played on New Year's Day saw Mikel Arteta's side come from 1-0 down to defeat Brentford 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The Times leads with the line 'No Saka, no problem' as Arsenal found their rhythm in the absence of their key man, while The Mirror says the Gunners are 'Back in with a shout' of winning the title.
The Guardian focuses on Arteta's post-match quotes on him needing his full squad after a sickness bug hit the Arsenal camp before the visit to the Bees and his hope to have Kai Havertz back available for Saturday's visit to Brighton.
Meanwhile, The Daily Mail opts for the pun of 'Gabby New Year' after Gabriel Martinelli continued to rediscover his scoring touch, bagging his second goal in three games over the Christmas period to seal this comeback win.
Nwaneri passed Saka role 'with flying colours'published at 09:00 2 January
09:00 2 January
Emma Smith BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Against Brentford, Mikel Arteta deployed Ethan Nwaneri in the role Bukayo Saka has perfected, cutting in as a left-footed right winger and Arsenal looked far more coherent for it.
In the first half, Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli had the fewest touches of all outfield players, but the teenager impressed with what little ball he had. He was the only player to complete all of his passes in that opening period - 17 of 17.
It was a test to see if he could step that up in the second half, when Arsenal needed it. It was an exam that the college-aged student passed with flying colours.
"He just makes me smile," said TNT Sports pundit Karen Carney. "He's brave, he's bold - for someone who is so young as well.
"For a young man, he was outstanding. He was positive and a joy to watch. I can't believe how young he is. He will be an absolute player for Arsenal."
"He is definitely going to get chances with Saka not available," added former Arsenal defender Martin Keown. "It is all there under the bonnet waiting to come out."
Arteta has handled Nwaneri with kid gloves since giving him his debut, but the manager felt this was the time and place to give him the biggest spotlight of his career so far.
"We had a 17-year-old in the starting line-up who did great," Arteta told his post-match media conference. "I thought Ethan was the best player in that position to start the game.
"It is patience, managing frustration and expectation. We are building him."
Jesus' goalscoring form continuespublished at 08:42 2 January
08:42 2 January
Image source, PA Media
Gabriel Jesus has scored six goals in his past four Arsenal appearances in all competitions, as many as in his previous 48 beforehand.
The Brazil forward has scored in back-to-back away games in the Premier League for the first time since April 2023.
Wednesday's win at Brentford was also notable for Ethan Nwaneri's first Premier League start for the Gunners. Aged 17 years and 286 days, Nwaneri was the third-youngest player ever to start a Premier League game for Arsenal, after Cesc Fabregas (17 years and 103 days v Everton in August 2004) and Theo Walcott (17 years and 212 days v Watford in October 2006).
Image source, Getty Images
