Arsenal are among the Premier League’s top teams, with enough quality to take advantage of Manchester City’s struggles and end their two-decade title drought.
However, injuries have hindered their consistency this season, and with Liverpool performing exceptionally well, Mikel Arteta knows Arsenal must maintain a strong run of form throughout the new year to stay in contention.
The Gunners kicked off the new year in style by defeating Brentford on the road, narrowing the gap to six points behind the league leaders. Now, as they face Brighton & Hove Albion, Arsenal must continue their away winning streak.
Brighton, under 31-year-old manager Fabian Hürzeler, started the season strongly but have since gone winless in seven matches, dropping to tenth place, 12 points behind Arsenal.
Despite several key absences, Arteta will be optimistic about his team’s chances against Brighton, given Arsenal’s solid recent form, with just one loss in their last five matches and an unbeaten record in their last four visits to the AMEX Stadium.
Arsenal Team News
Jurrien Timber is unavailable as he serves a one-match suspension, likely pushing Thomas Partey to the right-back position while Ben White works toward a late January return from injury.
In attack, Kai Havertz could regain his starting spot after recovering from illness, though Bukayo Saka remains sidelined for an extended period. Raheem Sterling and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also out, further weakening Arsenal’s right flank.
Ethan Nwaneri, who impressed during his first Premier League start against Brentford, might tempt fans to see him start again. However, it could be wiser for Arteta to use the 17-year-old as an impact substitute.
Why Arteta Should Rest Ethan Nwaneri
Arsenal have a track record of nurturing young talent, with Bukayo Saka emerging as one of Europe’s top forwards under Arteta, contributing nine goals and 13 assists in 24 appearances this season.
Nwaneri, described as an “absolute diamond” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, showed promise against Brentford with his energy, silky passing, and attacking progressiveness, completing two key passes and two dribbles, according to Sofascore.
However, against Brighton’s expansive style of play, which can leave their defense vulnerable, Arsenal need a more clinical edge. While Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus are in form, Leandro Trossard could be the key to unlocking Brighton’s defense.
Leandro Trossard: The Difference Maker
Trossard has been an excellent addition to Arsenal, scoring 22 goals and providing 15 assists in 94 appearances, despite starting only 50 of those matches.
With his experience and ability to exploit defensive gaps, Trossard could play a pivotal role in helping Arsenal secure another crucial victory and maintain their momentum in the title race.
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