Hurzeler made three changes and changed the system to a back three following the pre-Christmas 0-0 draw at home to Sunderland. Skipper Lewis Dunk returned from a one-match ban. Dunk’s normal centre-back partner, Jan Paul van Hecke, was restored after illness. Gomez, also ruled out against Sunderland through suspension, started on the left flank.

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard singled out Declan Rice for special praise after a stunning individual display in an unfamiliar right back position against Brighton & Hove Albion which kept the club’s Premier League title aspirations firmly aflame.

Rayan Cherki's late winner at Nottingham Forest keeps Manchester City in touch with Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Arsenal relied on an own goal for their fourth straight match, and it's not as convincing as it should be from the team topping the Premier League.

Preview the matchup between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion with predictions, odds, over/under, betting lines and more.

With Jurrien Timber out, Declan Rice filled in at right-back and it was from his whipped-in corner that Georginio Rutter scored an own goal. Despite Arsenal’s dominance, they conceded late on when Diego Gomez was first to react to a rebound. They needed a world-class save from David Raya to secure victory.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Steven Gerrard Laments Arsenal Transfer Swoop Over Liverpool. Liverpool’s legendary former captain Steven Gerrard has been left to wonder “what could have been” when wistfully reflecting on Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal rather than Merseyside in 2023.

Arsenal continue to be hit by injury absentees ahead of a key run of games in the title race, as Gabriel made a surprise return against Brighton but Jurrien Timber was ruled out and Riccardo Calafiori pulled out of the warm-up.