Arsenal's Premier League title hopes take a huge hit as Declan Rice experiment proves a step too far
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Arsenal were held to a draw at Brighton as they missed out on the chance to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to just three points. The Gunners took the lead in the first-half through Ethan Nwaneri, who despite being 17, scored his second Premier League goal of the season.
Arsenal, however, failed to kick on after that and Brighton pegged them back just after the hour mark through Joao Pedro. The Brazilian won a penalty in an unusual fashion after referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot following a clash of heads with William Saliba.
Pedro made no mistake with the penalty and Arsenal were left to rue what would have been a big chance to close the gap on Liverpool. Simon Collings was at the Amex to see Arsenal in action…. There are still 18 games left in this Premier League season, but Arsenal’s title hopes are truly hanging by a thread.
This draw here closed the gap on Liverpool to five points, however Arne Slot’s side have the luxury of two games in hand. Win both of those and Arsenal will be 11 points back. The Gunners had 40 points at this stage of the season last year, however they were able to roar back into the title race with a stunning run.
Arsenal won 16 of the final 18 league games, only surrendering the title to Manchester City on the final day. The mood and feeling now, however, feels very different. Last January, Arsenal had three games and a trip to Dubai to reenergise. This time, they have nine games and their squad resembles the walking wounded. Arteta faces a huge task to pick them up off the floor after this draw at Brighton.
