Evan Ferguson scores first Premier League in Brighton loss to Arsenal

Evan Ferguson took a significant step in his fledgling career by becoming the youngest Republic of Ireland international and the youngest Brighton player to register a Premier League goal in his side's 4-2 loss to table-toppers Arsenal at the Amex Stadium.

Ferguson, who only turned 18 in October, capitalised on poor defending from William Saliba to tuck a long ball under the advancing Aaron Ramsdale, and eclipse the records of compatriot Aaron Connolly at club level and Michael Obafemi at international level.

Despite the goal, Arsenal moved seven points clear of nearest rivals Manchester City.

As it happened: Brighton 2-4 Arsenal

Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Eddie Nketiah set the Gunners on course for a fifth consecutive top-flight success to cement their status as serious title contenders.

Kaoru Mitoma reduced Albion's deficit 25 minutes from time before Martinelli, aided by a wonderful Odegaard assist, raced half the length of the pitch to stylishly restore the three-goal advantage.

Seagulls substitute Ferguson increased the tension going into the final stages, while Mitoma thought he had set up a grandstand finish, only for his 89th-minute strike to be disallowed for offside.

Despite the unwanted anxiety of the late drama, the in-form visitors held on to celebrate an impressive victory and take a healthy advantage into 2023.

Mikel Arteta's men began the evening buoyed by nearest rivals Manchester City and Newcastle having both been held to home draws earlier in the day.

And the north London visitors wasted little time in capitalising on the dropped points as Saka fired them ahead inside 66 seconds.

Thomas Partey stopped Tariq Lamptey launching a counter-attack with a superb tackle and, after Martinelli’s initial effort was