Arsenal moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 4-2 win at Brighton.
The Gunners were in fine form going forward at the Amex, with their front-three all getting on the scoresheet and stepping up in the absence of the injured Gabriel Jesus.
Martin Odegaard also got in on the act and on a fairly comfortable night for Arsenal, although Brighton kept fighting and scored through Kaoru Mitoma and Evan Ferguson.
The win means Arsenal will start 2023 seven points clear at the top of the Premier League after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton.
Simon Collings was at the Amex to see Arsenal in action...
Aaron Ramsdale 6
Distribution was good throughout, as summed up by one pass in the first-half that split the Brighton midfield. Made a couple of smart saves.
Ben White 7
Continues to impress since the World Cup break and put in another good performance here. Looked great on the ball in tight spaces. Taken off before Arsenal conceded twice.
William Saliba 5
Looks a little rusty after the World Cup, where he played just 27 minutes for France. Made a few rash clearances and was caught out for Brighton’s second goal.
Gabriel 7
The better of Arsenal’s two centre-backs. Made a couple of vital blocks and won plenty of headers, especially from set-pieces. Booked for time wasting.
Oleksandr Zinchenko 6
Back in the side for Kieran Tierney and he had a solid enough game. Did get exposed defensively on a few occasions, but he offers so much when in possession.
Martin Odegaard 9 | Star player
What a player. The Norwegian is just on another level right now. Scored with a good strike in the first-half, then played a sublime pass to setup Martinelli for Arsenal’s fourth.
Thomas Partey 7
Had a good game at the base of the midfield. Won the ball which started the move for Arsenal’s first goal. Was calm and composed in possession.
Granit Xhaka 6
Not as influential as he was earlier in the season and that could be because it feels like he is playing deeper in the absence of Gabriel Jesus.
Bukayo Saka 8
Opened the scoring and looked bright all game. Appears to have stepped up and taken more responsibility in the absence of Jesus.
Eddie Nketiah 7
Worked tirelessly all game as he pressed the Brighton defence non-stop. Got the goal his performance deserved when he pounced after Roberto Sanchez spilled a cross.
Gabriel Martinelli 8
Had a good battle all game with Tariq Lamptey. Played his part in the opening goal and then scored the fourth superbly, racing clear from the halfway line.
Substitutions
Kieran Tierney (Zinchenko 60’) 6
Put in a steady performance for the final 30 minutes.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (White 60’) 6
Had some problems down his side but dealt with them fairly well.
Mohamed Elneny (Partey 74’) N/A
Rob Holding (Odegaard 87’) N/A
