Arsenal end 2022 with a seven-point lead at the top of the league after they prevailed 4-2 in a lively encounter at the Amex
With a seven-point gap on Manchester City, 2023 promises so much for. If the World Cup loomed over early season and brought with it considerable collateral damage, Mikel Arteta’s team are yet to lose their step.
It might soon have been two, Robert Sánchez smothering when Oleksandr Zinchenko had escaped down the left, where Tariq Lamptey struggled with Martinelli’s effervescence. The Ghanaian’s strengths lie in attacking, and from his overlap Leandro Trossard, Brighton’s false No 9, had a shot deflected. His brogues and trouser legs muddying as he paced, Arteta cursed when Trossard forced Aaron Ramsdale into a high save.
“He’s doing what we want him to do, to decide football matches,” said Arteta of his captain. “All four front players scoring today, that’s great news.”Photograph: Adam Davy/PA