Arsenal’s title challenge dealt big blow in Brighton draw

James Olley assesses Arsenal’s chances of a big January transfer move for a top striker like Alexander Isak or Viktor Gyökeres.

An early goal from Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri was cancelled out by a penalty from Joao Pedro as Brighton held the misfiring Gunners to a 1-1 Premier League draw on Saturday that dented the visitors’ title hopes.

Arsenal are second in the table on 40 points after 20 games, five behind leaders Liverpool, who host Manchester United on Sunday as one of their two matches in hand on their closest challengers. Brighton are 10th on 28 points.

Nwaneri scored 16 minutes into his second Premier League start, the 17-year-old breaking down the right and cutting inside before confidently drilling a low shot past Bart Verbruggen.

Brighton struggled to create scoring chances but they were much improved in the second half and Pedro won a penalty which he converted in the 61st minute to grab a share of the spoils for his side.