The Gunners beat Brighton (2-4) and took advantage of City’s draw against Everton (1-1) to take a seven-point lead at the top of the standings.
Arsenal took advantage of another misstep from Manchester City on Saturday to widen the gap at the top of the Premier League, now seven points clear of the defending champions. The Gunners beat Brighton at home (4-2) while Manchester City stumbled over Everton (1-1) at home on Matchday 18.
Galvanized by the poor result of their main rival which had reached them half an hour earlier, Mikel Arteta’s players stifled Brighton from the start and very quickly scored.
After an interception from Partey, Martinelli tried his luck and saw his blocked ball land at the feet of his teammate Bukayo Saka, in an ideal position (2nd, 0-1). Confident and in perfect control, the Londoners scored shortly before the break on a ball poorly cleared by the Brighton defense from which Martin Odegaard took full advantage (39th, 0-2).
A crucial month of January
With cold realism, they dug the score from the start of the second period, thanks to an overflow from Martinelli which benefited Eddie Nketiah (47th, 0-3).
Gabriel Martinelli scored a fourth goal against one (71st), shortly after Kaoru Mitoma reduced the score (65th), and before the second goal of the “Seagulls» par Evan Ferguson (77e).
The Gunners end the year in a strong position, seven points clear of the defending champions. January will be crucial for Mikel Arteta’s men in their quest for the title: reception of Newcastle (January 3), trip to Tottenham (January 15) and reception of Manchester United (January 22).
«It’s an important victory against a good team. We know the other results but above all, we know that success will come from what we doon the field, reacted Arteta after the meeting.
Continuation and end of this 18th day on Sunday, with Tottenham – Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest – Chelsea.