Arsenal’s title challenge stumbles with 1-1 draw against Brighton

Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion has left Mikel Arteta’s men facing an uphill battle in the Premier League title race.

The Gunners took an early lead through 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, whose poise in front of goal continues to defy his age. His strike showcased the depth of Arsenal’s academy and their reliance on young talent, particularly with Bukayo Saka sidelined. Yet, despite their bright start, Arsenal could not capitalise on their dominance, a theme that has begun to define their season.

Brighton’s equaliser came via a contentious penalty decision that left Arteta seething. William Saliba’s accidental clash of heads with Joao Pedro was deemed enough for referee Anthony Taylor to point to the spot. Pedro converted with ease, leaving Arsenal to rue missed chances and an inconsistent defensive display.

Arteta’s post-match comments reflected his frustration, labelling the decision “bizarre” and questioning the speed of the VAR review. The debate over the penalty will rumble on, but Arsenal’s failure to put the game beyond doubt in the first half was the more telling factor.

For a team with title aspirations, games like this must yield three points. Arsenal’s inability to control the second half, particularly in possession, highlighted their struggle to sustain performance levels across 90 minutes. Arteta admitted as much, citing a lack of composure and dominance in key moments.

This result comes at a critical juncture. With Liverpool poised to extend their lead to eight points if they win their game in hand, Arsenal’s margin for error is shrinking. The Gunners sit five points behind the league leaders, having played two more matches.

Injuries and squad rotation are undoubtedly complicating Arteta’s task. The absence of Saka and the unavailability of Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard left the team short of attacking options. Nwaneri, though promising, cannot shoulder the creative burden alone.

Defensive lapses, such as the one that led to Brighton’s equaliser, further emphasise Arsenal’s fragility. Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães have often been reliable, but moments of chaos, as highlighted by Jamie Redknapp, undermine the team’s progress.

Arsenal’s title challenge is not over, but their path is becoming increasingly precarious. To remain in the hunt, they must find consistency and ensure results like this are exceptions, not the norm. With Liverpool in imperious form, the Gunners need to rediscover theirs — quickly.