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Brighton 1-1 Arsenal: Key statspublished at 19:46 4 January
19:46 4 January
Image source, Getty Images
Despite coming from behind to earn a draw, Brighton remain without a win in their last eight Premier League games (D6 L2), drawing four successive matches in the competition for the first time.
Joao Pedro has been involved in 10 goals across his last 13 Premier League appearances (5 goals and 5 assists), netting home and away against Arsenal this season.
Since the start of last season, only Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer (12 each) have scored more goals from the penalty spot among Premier League players in all competitions than Joao Pedro (11 – level with Erling Haaland).
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.
'We'll see how the month pans out' - Barber on potential Ferguson loan exitpublished at 14:58 3 January
14:58 3 January
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton CEO Paul Barber has said the club will wait and see if a loan move away for Evan Ferguson is on the cards this month, adding that it is "a decision for the technical staff".
The forward has started just two Premier League matches this season and has been recently linked with a move to fellow Premier League clubs.
"There's always speculation around good players in a squad that are perhaps not getting as much football as as they would like," Barber told BBC Sport.
"Evan's injured at the moment and therefore has been unlucky not to get the minutes that he deserves. But there will be others in the squad that perhaps feel the same way.
"We'll see how the month pans out. It's a decision for our technical staff and we'll see where we go."
Meanwhile, Barber is hopeful that this month will be a quiet one for Seagulls incomings.
"We did a lot of work during the summer months to replenish our squad, to make sure that we had a depth of of squad that perhaps we lacked a little bit last season through injuries and a range of other circumstances," he added.
"As always, where we can strengthen our squad, we will. Where we can make sure the players in our squad get opportunities to play football, maybe elsewhere in certain situations on loan, we'll look at that as well.
"But I don't expect this January to be anything like the summer months thankfully."
What will make 2025 a successful season?published at 11:19 2 January
11:19 2 January
Johnny Cantor BBC Radio Sussex reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Despite a run of seven games without a win, the focus remains for Brighton to secure European football for only the second time in the club's history. The Seagulls' board, the players and the fans have all had a taste - and are keen for more.
Steady progress has been the strategy but sustained success becomes more difficult in such a competitive environment.
The owner invested heavily to recruit players last summer, so expectations are high, and the club would arguably be better equipped for another European campaign. After all, their first foray on the continent was hampered by injuries to key players at key moments, but the squad has more depth now.
A finish in the bottom half of the table may not be seen as failure but more of a disappointment. The club has traditionally given coaches the time and space to work, but Fabian Hurzeler will be aware he will be judged on results.
Away from the Premier League, the club has reached the FA Cup semi-finals twice in the past seven years and so the quest for silverware is more realistic than ever.
Another good run in the competition is not the top priority, but it provides a huge opportunity to reward the fans and write a new chapter in the club's history.
Hurzeler on injuries, Gomez and 'trusting the process'published at 11:00 2 January
11:00 2 January
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at home against Arsenal (17:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Jack Hinshelwood is "close" to a return and Adam Webster will be available for the visit of the Gunners. Hurzeler is also unsure whether Pervis Estupinan will be ready after recovering from an illness but he is "hopeful" while Evan Ferguson's injury is "not an easy issue".
Danny Welbeck's return is being assessed "day by day" but there is "no clear schedule" and Ferdi Kadioglu remains sidelined.
Saturday is "too early" for new signing Diego Gomez - who officially joined on 1 January from MLS side Inter Miami - to make his debut but he "has had two weeks off and is in great shape". Hurzeler added that Gomez brings physicality and he cannot wait to see him on the pitch.
Hurzeler said it is hard to compare Brighton's recent winless run with a previous similar experience at St. Pauli: "Things happen for different reasons. The experience gives you orientation in how to behave in these situations and how to come back to the results. In the end, there are some patterns you can adjust. Despite the bad results, we have had some really good performances. Always trust the process. We are on the right way."
He chooses to see the season so far as glass half full rather than half empty: "There are only a few teams in the league who have lost less times than us. I see more the positive things than the negative things. I try and give the trust and belief to the club and the players. The glass will be really full one day."
What will it take to beat title-chasing Arsenal?: "Push all limits in every phase of the game. Continue to play with courage and intensity. The results have not been good [recently] but the performances are there. We have shown we can beat every team in this league. If we don't play with courage in possession, we have no chance."
'Get Rashford to team up with Welbeck' and 'be more consistent'published at 12:47 1 January
12:47 1 January
We asked you to tell us what Brighton's New Year's resolution should be.
Here are some of your replies:
Steve: To start turning these draws into wins and take their chances in front of goal.
David: We make numerous chances to score in every game but fail too often. Instead of taking one or two touches in the opponent's box, teach our strikers to shoot. If that is not possible, replace them.
Malcom: To buy them football boots so they can take off their ballet shoes. We need to stop the tippy-tappy game and try having a few shots on goal. Let's play with a centre-forward.
Deri: Get Marcus Rashford from Manchester United to team up with Welbeck!
Robin: Never mind getting new players in January, we need a first-class sports psychologist to get rid of the 'frightened to take responsibility' effect that grips Albion players in the penalty area!
Bill: Since Lewis Dunk has returned, our defence has been poor. We haven't won a game, so I think it's time to put the old-timer on the bench.
Daniel: Simple: to be more consistent. If we can become consistent, we will get European football.
Gossip: Bayern Munich interested in Verbruggenpublished at 09:50 1 January
09:50 1 January
Bayern Munich have shortlisted a number of goalkeepers who they could sign this summer, including Brighton's 22-year-old Netherlands international Bart Verbruggen. (Bild - in German, subscription required), external
2024 breakdown: Who takes the plaudits?published at 16:42 31 December 2024
16:42 31 December 2024
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
It has been another entertaining year in the Premier League, so with 2025 just a matter of hours away let's take a look at the clubs that have topped the charts.
Manchester City became history makers in 2024 as they sealed their fourth successive Premier League title in May and their sixth in seven seasons.
Pep Guardiola's possession based football continued to dominate as they maintained the ball for an average of 64.5% per game and had a 90.6% passing accuracy over the year.
Brighton were the closest to matching their accuracy at 87.5% and Ange Postecoglou's similar high-risk football saw Tottenham retain 61.3% possession.
Under Jurgen Klopp and new head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool scored 92 goals in 2024 which is three more than Arsenal and nine greater than City.
The Reds registered 741 shots in total, which is a stark contrast to Leicester City who recorded the least with 170. Albeit that is only since their promotion back to the top-flight in the summer.
Of those shots, 286 of Liverpool's were on target. But it is Thomas Frank's Brentford that have proven to be the most clinical.
The Bees had a conversion rare of 15.3% after scoring 62 goals in the Premier League. Yoane Wissa found the back of the net 17 times, while Bryan Mbuemo registered 12 goals.
From goal scoring to conceding - West Ham turned over the most goals with 79.
They should look to North London for tips on how to tighten up their defence as Arsenal proved to be the most solid across all aspects of their back line.
The Gunners conceded just 25 goals across the course of the year and kept an impressive 18 clean sheets.
Sean Dyche's Everton, renowned for being stubborn to break down, kept 14 clean sheets despite only winning eight of their 36 games.
All stats are supplied by Opta
Aston Villa 2-2 Brighton - the fans' verdictpublished at 12:04 31 December 2024
12:04 31 December 2024
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts after Monday's Premier League game between Aston Villa and Brighton.
Here are some of your comments:
Villa fans:
Ian: Continually reminded how much we miss Diaby. The amount of times Bailey and Watkins could have been away with an extra yard of pace.
Mike: Unai is a brilliant manager, but even he can only do so much with the players at his disposal. Having to sell two players that are exactly what we need at this time - and arguably our best players at that time - is now showing in the levels we are able to achieve! We need replacements for Diaby and Douglas pronto, as well as a CB, RB and RW! January is not going to be the window to do it either sadly so more flogging of a dying horse to come I fear!
Andy: Very frustrated with the result. Our defence is shambolic at times. Unai should have made the substitutions much earlier as the midfield look shattered which gave Brighton the chance to equalise. Watkins has to be more clinical with his chances otherwise unfortunately he will find himself back on the bench when Duran is back available. Mid-table mediocrity beckons.
Steve: Symptomatic of our season. Some very good general play but mistakes in both boxes. So wasteful every game and weak mentality. Both goals conceded through the right back channel again. This season will either turn around or fizzle out. Fingers crossed Unai has the answers.
Brighton fans:
Sarah: 2-2 was probably a fair result, although I don't think the Pedro penalty should have stood. Brighton had more possession: 64% at 79 minutes. Great goal from Adingra and Lamptey is playing his socks off. Not sure what Igor was doing today. Some effective substitutions finally from Hurzeler, although Minteh needs to sort his boots out, having missed two scoring opportunities from slipping over. After the run of draws we've had with teams we should have beaten, we'll take the draw. Hope to beat Arsenal on Saturday! That's the Brighton way: perverse, but keeps us on our toes.
Mohan: Brighton looked great in periods, but we really need to stop making naive defensive errors. They have cost us a lot this season. Good fight from the team to get the draw though.
Billy: Delighted to see Tariq back on the scoresheet. He has had such bad luck with injuries but when he's fit he always gives the seagulls 100% and is a real live wire!
Hugh: Ooof. Another two points dropped. But Brighton can fairly say they were hard done by with that VAR decision. Anything that takes that long to decide is not a clear and obvious error! I'm a firm believer that Hurzeler will find a way to turn these draws into three pointers and we're being entertained in the mean time. Great to see Adingra and Lamptey on the scoreboard. I also love to watch Rutter run through traffic with the ball and Pedro's perseverance!
Gossip: Chelsea want to bring in Fergusonpublished at 08:51 31 December 2024
08:51 31 December 2024
Chelsea are eying 20-year-old Brighton forward Evan Ferguson, as they look to provide competition for first-choice striker Nicolas Jackson. (Talksport), external
'Every draw should teach us something'published at 23:05 30 December 2024
23:05 30 December 2024
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler to Sky Sports: "We deserved to make the equaliser and then had more chances to score the winning goal.
"It's a disappointing feeling because we could have got more. We have to invest a lot and I'm sure the match luck will come back.
"In the end, we are here in the present and we have to accept it and learn from it. Every draw should teach us something. We have to keep working and not complain about referee decisions.
On penalty: "You can give it but it's a clear foul on Bart [Verbruggen]. The Premier League has to do something.
"We have to keep pushing our limits to win games in the Premier League. We will try to get our momentum back."
Brighton battle but fail to find December winpublished at 22:35 30 December 2024
22:35 30 December 2024
Joe Rindl BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Brighton's Tariq Lamptey has scored two goals in his last four Premier League games, one more than in his first 92 games in the competition
On reflection, Brighton will be happy with a point.
The Seagulls created little in the first half after their goal, although Fabian Hurzeler's side were on the ascendency in the closing stages.
Brighton haven't won in the Premier League since they beat Bournemouth 2-1 away on 23 November.
Although they have rallied over the Christmas period, they have now drawn each of their past three.
In response to his side's inconsistent form Hurzeler made four changes to his starting XI.
Simon Adingra and Tariq Lamptey were two of those who came into the team and both rewarded their 31-year-old boss with goals.
Next up Brighton are at home to title challengers Arsenal on January 4 - a match which could extend their winless run to eight.
'Maybe it was a fair result'published at 22:12 30 December 2024
22:12 30 December 2024
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton goalscorer Tariq Lamptey talking to the world feed: "We would have liked to have nicked it in the end but maybe it was a fair result.
On his goal: "It arrived on the edge of the box, it was great from Joao [Pedro] to spot me and it ended up in the back of the net. We have players on the bench who are ready and can come in at any time. When we are down, we have players who can come in and do that.
On the penalty for Villa: "I didn't see it but the boys were saying it wasn't a penalty. We go out to win the game, it's the way we play. It's got to come at some point.
"I've been playing well for a few games now so I just have to keep my rhythm going."
Aston Villa 2-2 Brighton - send us your thoughtspublished at 21:52 30 December 2024
Sutton's predictions: Aston Villa v Brightonpublished at 11:32 30 December 2024
11:32 30 December 2024
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.
This week, he takes on musician Emma-Jean Thackray, who is a Leeds fan.
Sutton's prediction: 2-1
Both of these teams have been quite patchy in recent weeks, which makes them really hard to predict.
Brighton have gone six games without a win and, although they have only lost two of those, they seem to have lost a bit of the spark they had at the start of the season.
That makes me favour Villa more here, especially because they are at home - five of their six league defeats this season have come on the road.
Jhon Duran's suspension is a blow for Unai Emery's side but, unlike a lot of people, I actually think his red card against Newcastle was the right decision.
It is a real sickener for Emery, though. I know he was able to rotate Duran and Ollie Watkins up front, but recently Duran had been starting and scored in four straight games. He seemed to have that jersey nailed down, but when he comes back from his three-game ban, he will have to start again.
In the meantime it is down to Watkins to get Villa some goals. I am backing him to score here and to help them get the three points.
Emma-Jean's prediction: 2-2
Villa are a similar sort of club to Leeds - with a really great history and similar size of fanbase. We had several seasons recently of being right up against each other in the Championship and closely matched in the Premier League too, then all of a sudden Villa have taken off. I am going for a draw.
Image source, Getty Images
