Maupay blasts home late winner over Arsenal
The game at the Amex Stadium should influence the battle to avoid relegation, with Graham Potter’s side just two points above the drop zone ahead of Fulham, who have 11 points in 18th, and level with Burnley on 13 points. Mikel Arteta’s side moved away from the drop zone with victory over the Blues, and are currently four points ahead of their opponents tonight, but they still have a lot of work to do in order to get back in contention for a European place.
Brighton have won the last two meetings between the sides, as well as three wins in five unbeaten against the Gunners. Neal Maupay, who scored the opener at the London Stadium, has a fine record against Arsenal, including the stoppage-time winner in June and another winner at the Emirates with 10 minutes remaining in December last year. Keep up to date with all the events at the Amex Stadium, with live score and goal updates, analysis and reaction below:
BRIGHTON 0-0 ARSENAL (37’)
Good save! This is a very bright spell from Brighton. A wicked ball into the box from the right flashes across the face of goal, but no one can get a touch on it from close range. Jahanbakhsh is picked out when the ball comes back into the box, though, and his low shot towards the near post is parried by Leno.
Callum Rice-Coates29 December 2020 18:39
BRIGHTON 0-0 ARSENAL (36’)
Another opening for Brighton as Mac Allister drives towards the edge of the box and opts to shoot, instead of passing to Jahanbakhsh or Gross either side of him. It proves to be an unwise decision, because his shot floats overt the bar.
Callum Rice-Coates29 December 2020 18:37
BRIGHTON 0-0 ARSENAL (35’)
Brighton threaten again on the left and this time Gross’ ball across is a more testing one. Smith Rowe slides in, getting a crucial touch to take the ball away from Jahanbakhsh.
Callum Rice-Coates29 December 2020 18:36
BRIGHTON 0-0 ARSENAL (34’)
Gross finds some room to cross from the left but his delivery is poor again, straight into the welcoming arms of Leno. It’s a familiar story for both teams so far: nice buildup play, signs of promise in the final third, but a lack of any cutting edge.
Callum Rice-Coates29 December 2020 18:34
BRIGHTON 0-0 ARSENAL (30’)
Arsenal win another free kick, this time around 40 yards out. Smith Rowe lifts it into the box and Sanchez rushes out authoritatively to claim.
Callum Rice-Coates29 December 2020 18:31
BRIGHTON 0-0 ARSENAL (28’)
Xhaka, who scored a stunning free kick against Chelsea, is off target this time, curling his shot over the bar.
Callum Rice-Coates29 December 2020 18:28
BRIGHTON 0-0 ARSENAL (27’)
Another promising move comes to nothing. Xhaka picks out Bellerin with a perfectly-weighted pass, allowing the right-back to dart inside and find Smith Rowe. The youngster looks set to shoot from the edge of the box but he’s nudged off the ball. Saka keeps it alive, though, and wins a free kick in a dangerous position…
Callum Rice-Coates29 December 2020 18:28
BRIGHTON 0-0 ARSENAL (24’)
A nervy moment for Arsenal as an alarmingly casual Leno decides to juggle the ball under pressure before eventually hacking clear just in time. Brighton then win a corner, which is attacked by Bernardo, whose header is blocked on its way towards goal.
Callum Rice-Coates29 December 2020 18:24
BRIGHTON 0-0 ARSENAL (22’)
Smith Rowe slides in on Veltman, giving away a free kick close to the touchline on the right flank. The delivery from Gross is poor, though, headed away by the first man.
Callum Rice-Coates29 December 2020 18:22
BRIGHTON 0-0 ARSENAL (19’)
Brighton appear to have settled into the game now, though they’re approaching this one with an element of caution. They’ve made several changes having played only two days ago, so Arsenal will want to take advantage of that.
Callum Rice-Coates29 December 2020 18:19