Brighton 2-4 Arsenal

Goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Eddie Nketiah and Gabi Martinelli saw Arsenal move into the new year seven points clear of the chasing pack in a spirited clash on the south coast on the final day of 2022.

Despite two late second strikes from Kaoru Mitoma and Evan Ferguson, in a hectic clash in front of a raucous crowd of 31,647, Arsenal were always in control after Saka fired home a left-footed shot in the box to put the Gunners ahead within 120 seconds - to send the 3,000 vociferous traveling fans into raptures.

With many in the away end opting to spend New Years Eve savouring the delights of Brighton, voices were well-oiled as revellers got stuck into the party spirit well in advance of the midnight chimes ushering in 2023.

Mikel Arteta's team were just as well-oiled on the pitch as the Premier League table toppers appeared emboldened by second place Manchester City's stumble against struggling Everton saw them drop two vital points in a 1-1 draw earlier in the day, despite dominating the Merseysiders.

Two hundred and fifty miles south Arteta's side looked intent on increasing their lead into the new year, buoyed by their stirring 3-1 comeback victory over West Ham on Boxing Day that was anointed by the returning Arsene Wenger.

The Frenchman would have been impressed by plenty, but stand-in striker Nketiah would have surely caught his eye, as much for his hard-work and industry as much as his goalscoring return the saw Arteta once again opt for the 23-year-old Lewisham-born attacker up front in this hard-fought clash on the south coast. Along with his teammates, Eddie wasn't to disappoint.

What was also encouraging for Arteta and the club's loyal support was the fact the backline looked as obdurate as their attacking colleagues appeared dangerous.

Title charges are built on a solid defence as much as attacking intent - and the North Londoners held their line against a fine Brighton side led by Roberto De Zerbi, following Graham Potter's departure to Chelsea earlier in the season.

It was no surprise that the home side started the match in an impressive eight position as Albion's attack tested Aaron Ramsdale, who tipped over Leandro Trossard's stinging drive on 25 minutes.

Arsenal proved resolute throughout an open first half, resisting forays from those in blue and white, in a side still lacking the return of Argentina World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, still somewhere in Buenos Airies celebrating the mother of all hangovers after Lionel Messi's Albiceleste landed their third World Cup triumph, and Messi's first - to seal his position at the front of the pantheon of all time greats.

Another legend was lauded, prior to kick-off, as the legendary Pele was honoured after his death this week, with both sets of players and the entire stadium rising as one to salute the arch proponent of the Beautiful Game with a thunderous minute's applause.

You felt the Brazil icon would certainly have approved of Odegaard's emphatic strike six minutes before the interval, with a thunderous shot that flew through the box to beat Brighton keeper Robert Sanchez to put Arsenal 2-0 ahead.

Two minutes after the break the score became 3-0 when Nketiah slotted home from close range following Martinelli's driving run and near post shot forced Sanchez to spill the ball into the Gunners strikers path for his second goal of the festive period.

In truth it was nothing more than Arsenal deserved, despite enthusiastic offerings from De Zerbi's side in a rousing finale that saw Mitoma pull a goal back for 3-1, prior to Martinelli's outstanding run and clinical finish to kill the game and make it 4-1 - even if Ferguson's 77th minute strike that saw him dispossess William Saliba prior to slotting past Ramsdale gave many in the home crowd hope at 4-2, the result was never really in doubt.

Although it has to be said a grandstand finish was averted when Mitoma's 'goal' was disallowed by VAR for offside.

'We Are Top Of The League' chanted the delirious travelling supporters, in disbelief as much as joy in acknowledgement of their team's astonishing form during the current campaign - one that saw them ease into the New Year, an incredible seven points clear.

The next few months will reveal all, but my how this season has been such a satisfying one so far for Mikel Arteta and his charges. The question is what will 2023 bring?

We’ve got Super Mik Arteta sing the Arsenal supporters after the Gunners beat Brighton 4-2 here at the Amex pic.twitter.com/3EXjEeuWzr

— Layth (@laythy29) December 31, 2022