Brighton & Hove Albion have recorded their first win over a top-six side this season courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Arsenal in Sunday's Premier League clash at the Amex Stadium.
Lewis Dunk and Glenn Murray both netted during the first 30 minutes as the Seagulls threatened to inflict a heavy defeat on the visitors, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang halved the deficit before the break.
However, Arsenal failed to build on that goal and Brighton endured few scares as they held on to record their third successive win in the top flight.
Find out how all of the action unfolded on the South coast courtesy of Sports Mole's minute-by-minute updates below.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the match in the Premier League between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal. All of the talk this week has been dominated by the future of Arsene Wenger, but can Brighton inflict more misery on the Frenchman? Let's see who features in each of the starting lineups...
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION XI: Ryan; Scheletto, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; Stephens, Propper, Knockaert, Izquierdo, Gross; Murray
BRIGHTON & HOVE SUBSTITUTES: Krul, Goldson, Bruno, Kayal, March, Ulloa, Locadia
ARSENAL XI: Cech; Koscielny, Mustafi, Chambers; Iwobi, Wilshere, Xhaka, Kolasinac; Mkhitaryan, Ozil, Aubameyang
ARSENAL SUBSTITUTES: Ospina, Holding, Welbeck, Bellerin, Maitland-Niles, Elneny, Nketiah
Let's start with the visitors, with Wenger opting for a number of changes and seemingly a switch in formation. There are three alterations in total, with Hector Bellerin, Aaron Ramsey and Danny Welbeck all dropping out of the starting lineup.
The players coming into the team are Calum Chambers, Jack Wilshere and Alex Iwobi. Wilshere comes in as a direct replacement for Ramsey - who may be being rested ahead of the trip to AC Milan in the Europa League - but the other two inclusions throw up question marks over Wenger's tactics.
Arsenal could easily go with a 4-2-3-1 formation but as it stands, it appears that Iwobi and Sead Kolasinac will be lining up at wing-back in a 3-4-3 with Chambers starting on the left-hand side of a back three. We will wait to see how that one develops.
The bench features all of the names that you would expect. Wenger does not have many options as far as his attack is concerned, however. Welbeck provides experience but hasn't scored a Premier League goal since September and Eddie Nketiah has played just 73 minutes of senior football since bursting onto the scene with a double against Norwich City in the EFL Cup. The teenager is still to make his top-flight debut.
As for Brighton, they are unchanged from the 4-1 thrashing of Swansea City last weekend. It comes as little surprise, but it also means that both Jurgen Locadia and Leonardo Ulloa are having to remain patient with regards to getting a start in the Premier League after making the move to the Amex Stadium in January.
Part of the reason why the pair remain among the replacements is due to the form of Jose Izquierdo. The Colombian winger was not all that productive during the first half of the season but the attacker has two goals and an assist from his last three appearances.
We can probably forget about Arsenal when it comes to talking about the top four in the Premier League table, but the North Londoners will still want to chase down Chelsea in fifth. The Blues currently hold an eight-point advantage but given that they face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium later this afternoon, that could soon become five if Arsenal manage to register a win on the South coast. Burnley are also lurking in seventh after yesterday's 2-1 win over Everton.
Brighton remain just the four points above the relegation zone - even despite their recent good form - but they currently sit in 12th place with a game in hand so any kind of result this afternoon could go a long way to securing their top-flight status for another year. They will move above Bournemouth and Everton - and into the top 10 - with victory over Arsenal.
Ahead of this game, Arsenal goalkeeper Cech has spoken about being understanding of the reaction of the club's supporters to their recent performances. Some decided to stay away from the defeat to Manchester City in midweek. Click here to see what he has had to say on the matter.
Arsenal are blessed with talent in attack but it's their defence which is causing the most problems. The North Londoners have gone 10 games without keeping a clean sheet in the Premier League.
They've also suffered three consecutive defeats on the road, with Bournemouth, Swansea City and Tottenham Hotspur all prevailing at their respective homes.
Arsenal are also looking to avoid four top-flight away defeats at the start of a calendar year. That hasn't happened since 1925!
Since the start of the year, Arsenal possess a record of just four wins and two draws from 13 matches in all competitions. They had ended 2017 having put together an eight-game undefeated streak throughout December.
It's generally perceived that Ozil is Arsenal's key man but the German has been less influential than Ramsey this season. Ozil has four goals and seven assists from 23 top-flight outings, whereas Ramsey has six goals and six assists from 19 appearances. The Welshman could be missed this afternoon.
Let's turn our attention to Brighton, who are looking to equal their longest Premier League unbeaten run of five games. Their last top-flight defeat came at home to Chelsea on January 20.
Their run in the FA Cup means that their record for 2018 stands at five wins and three draws from 10 outings. The other setback came away at West Bromwich Albion.
However, their record against the top six is abysmal. The Seagulls have lost all seven matches, with their only goal coming from the penalty spot against Liverpool.
Brighton haven't always produced in front of goal this season but that has changed in recent weeks. Thirteen goals have been netted in their last half-a-dozen outings in all competitions.
Five of those strikes have come from Glenn Murray, who now has 10 goals from 18 starts and eight substitute appearances in the Premier League. If Brighton stay up, the 34-year-old has more than played his part.
We cannot ignore the contribution of Pascal Gross, however. The summer signings has five goals and seven assists to his name, with a quarter of those totals being helped by his efforts in wins over West Ham United and Swansea.
The majority of people have argued that this is the best time for Brighton to be playing Arsenal, but Hughton holds a different opinion. Click here to see what he has had to say.
PREDICTION! Arsenal have got to turn things around at some stage and we believe that today will be the day. It might not be pretty but we think that the Gunners are capable of showing a clinical touch on the break in order to secure a 2-1 win.
HEAD TO HEAD! Today's match represents just the 17th match between the two clubs, with Arsenal claiming 12 victories in comparison to two wins for Brighton.
Both of Brighton's triumphs came in 1982, with Arsenal winning each of the last five matches which have taken place since then. Three of those contests have been in the FA Cup. Arsenal have already made two trips to the Amex Stadium, with 3-2 wins being recorded in the ties which took place in 2013 and 2015 respectively.
In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Brighton held their own during general play but ultimately succumbed to a goal in either half. Click here to read back on that game.
It's time for the two teams to make their way out at the Amex. It's still a chilly day on the South coast but we have no snow or high winds, which is also a bonus, right?
A reminder of the two teams...
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION XI: Ryan; Scheletto, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; Stephens, Propper, Knockaert, Izquierdo, Gross; Murray
ARSENAL XI: Cech; Koscielny, Mustafi, Chambers; Iwobi, Wilshere, Xhaka, Kolasinac; Mkhitaryan, Ozil, Aubameyang
KICKOFF! Brighton get us underway.
First things first - it appears that Arsenal are going with a 4-2-3-1. It did seem weird when it was suggested that Iwobi was to start at right wing-back! Chambers at right-back, Kolasinac at left-back, and Iwobi in the attacking trio behind Aubameyang. That's how Arsenal are starting this game.
SHOT! Arsenal have started well at the Amex. A period of possession ends with Ozil curling marginally over the bar from 20 yards out.
The visitors may have lost their last three games but they have started this match on the front foot. Brighton are being forced into a number of early mistakes and already find themselves camped inside their own half.
Brilliant response from Brighton, with Schelotto being released down the flank. The right-back gets a cross into the middle which is deflected behind for a corner by Mustafi.
GOAL! Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 Arsenal (Lewis Dunk)
Just like that, it is 1-0 to the home side! An inswinging corner finds Duffy - who beats Cech to the ball - and Dunk is in the right place to fire the ball on the half-volley into the roof of the net!
SHOT! All of a sudden, Arsenal are all over the place. Izquierdo surges forward before teeing up Gross, who sees his low 20-yard strike tipped behind by Cech.
Arsenal need to find a way of discouraging Brighton because the Seagulls are threatening to net a second. Arsenal look calm in possession but when they don't have the ball, Brighton smell blood.
Brighton are playing with such a swagger when they get into the final third. They sense that Arsenal are lacking confidence in that area of the pitch and it is showing. If Brighton net a second here, they could win at a canter.
In fairness to Arsenal, it's a completely different story when they have the ball. Naturally, they are looking to get Ozil and Mkhitaryan on the ball and the Brighton defence look fearful when they run directly at them.
Izquierdo is winning his individual battle with Chambers and ends up with so much space that he can coast inside onto his right foot to get a shot away. It's deflected over the bar but the warning signs are there.
CHANCE! From the resulting set piece, Dunk meets the ball without much pressure from Koscielny but can only direct his header over the bar. That was a chance.
CHANCE! Another huge chance for Brighton. Knockaert dispossesses Iwobi and Gross ends up back-heeling the ball back into the path of his teammate. He should score from no more than 12 yards out but Cech stays big to make the block.
Brighton are winning every 50-50 ball. They just want it more than their opponents. Another corner is won after good work from Bong.
CHANCE! Arsenal's marking from set pieces is abysmal. Another corner and another free header for a defender, but Duffy heads off target.
To Mustafi's credit, he has just showed desire to win a couple of challenges in the centre of the pitch, but the second attempt is adjudged to be a foul. At least he made the effort...
GOAL! Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 Arsenal (Glenn Murray)
This is shockingly bad from the visitors. Koscielny gives the ball away, Gross crosses to the back post for Murray and the forward heads underneath the body of Cech and into the net. Brighton are coasting.
BOOKING! Kolasinac goes into the book for complaining about a foul given against Koscielny.
CHANCE! From the set piece, the ball is worked to the flank and when it's delivered into the penalty, Murray powers a header straight at Cech.
As we move past the half-hour mark, Ryan comes to claim the ball for what might be the first touch with his hands in this match. It's been that comfortable for Brighton.
CHANCE! Brighton are picking and choosing when they want to create a chance and Arsenal are having no say in the matter. The ball is sprayed to the far side of the penalty area and after being teed up from around 14 yards out, Gross sees his volley blocked by a defender.
What Brighton cannot afford is to concede a goal before half time. Arsenal have just won a corner and are suggesting that they may be prepared to throw caution to the wind.
Ozil is growing more and more frustrated as the half progresses, but he's not using it to his benefit. Over the last five minutes, he's committed a needless foul as well as firing the ball at a Brighton player who was waiting to take a throw-in.
SHOT! Better from Mkhitaryan who is released down the right flank. The January signing breaks into the penalty area but rather than cross, the playmaker sees a shot from an acute angle diverted behind by Ryan.
BOOKING! Wilshere is becoming frustrated as well. The midfielder lunges into a challenge with Knockaert and it's an easy decision for the referee.
Brighton remain a threat every time that they get the ball into the penalty area. Izquierdo is having so much joy against Chambers down the left.
GOAL! Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Arsenal (Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang)
Ouch. It's game on at the Amex. Brighton don't cope with Arsenal having some possession in the final third and when Xhaka plays the ball across goal, Aubameyang is there to flick a shot into the net from around eight yards out.
There will be two minutes of added-on time.
WOODWORK! Now Koscielny powers a header against the post! It looks to have taken a deflection off Dunk. Ryan was beaten. Brighton need half time.
HALF TIME: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Arsenal
The half-time whistle goes on the South coast and Brighton lead 2-1. However, that doesn't tell the whole story. Hughton's side should be out of sight and Arsenal will be delighted to reach the break facing just the one-goal deficit.
Brighton's opener came after Arsenal had dominated the opening exchanges. A corner from the left found Duffy at the back post and after he had beaten Cech in the air, the ball found Dunk who fired the ball into the roof of the net from close range.
From Arsenal's perspective, the second goal was calamitous. Koscielny lost possession and when the ball was shifted out to Gross on the right flank, he only had one thought in his mind. The delivery to the back post was perfect for Murray who got in between Mustafi and Chambers to head home from 12 yards. Cech should have done much better, with the ball going underneath his body in the centre of the goal.
The Gunners did not deserve their goal but Brighton were guilty of switching off and the visitors took full advantage. After a period of possession, Xhaka's weak shot - or excellent pass - found Aubameyang who could not miss from around seven yards. It's his second goal in an Arsenal shirt.
KICKOFF! Arsenal get us back underway.
Arsenal have started this second half in the ascendancy. You can sense the nervousness in the Brighton side now. This has all the makings for an interesting 45 minutes.
SHOT! Mkhitaryan gets a shot away on the edge of the area but his strike is comfortably dealt with by Ryan.
Brighton finally get themselves back on the ball and still, Arsenal are feeling the nerves at the back. They have a bit of momentum as far as the match is concerned, but you would not back them to keep a clean sheet during this second half.
BOOKING! Xhaka becomes the third Arsenal player to be cautioned after a swipe on Bong on the touchline.
Brighton are beginning to apply a similar kind of pressure as in the first half but they are not showing the same level of composure. They recognise the importance of the next goal.
SHOT! Ozil comes alive in the final third and after playing a one-two with Aubameyang, the German unleashes a well-struck shot from 25 yards. Fortunately for Brighton, Ryan is able to tip the ball wide.
Xhaka has just dived to try to win a penalty. The Swiss midfielder goes down holding his leg and is rolling around on the floor. The referee ignores him and he gets straight to his feet and continues like nothing happened...
BOOKING! Stephens is booked after his follow-through takes out Wilshere. That decision is fair enough because his studs were showing as well.
Arsenal are starting to dominate this match. Brighton are falling into the trap of trying to defend on the edge of their 18-yard box.
BOOKING! Another Brighton booking, this time for Schelotto who lunged in on Xhaka.
Brighton are going to require a third goal in this match. Arsenal are all over them. Does Hughton be proactive now or wait to see if his side can see it out?
Schelotto has just taken a nasty blow to the head from a challenge from Kolasinac. As a result, both sets of players clash with Brighton calling for action against Kolasinac. Schelotto is still receiving treatment and will be substituted. Still no decision on Kolasinac...
SUBSTITUTION! Bruno is being introduced as a replacement for Schelotto. The referee decides to take no further action with Kolasinac, who had been on a yellow. The left-back won the ball but it was an aggressive challenge.
SHOT! Almost a third for Brighton. Izquierdo is again allowed to drift inside onto his right foot but he still cannot find the target, with his effort going just wide of the near post from 20 yards.
With less than 20 minutes to go, Arsenal are beginning to commit more men forward in search of an equaliser. Brighton have 10 men behind the ball.
SUBSTITUTION! Wenger finally makes his first change, with Welbeck replacing Iwobi.
Moments ago, Murray had the chance to run clear on goal but his lack of pace meant that he was unable to get close to the penalty area. It may be worth Hughton introducing Locadia.
SUBSTITUTION! A second change for Brighton sees March come on for Knockaert, who is not a happy bunny. He's just kicked one of the seats in the dugout and thrown away his training top.
BOOKING! Brighton join Arsenal on three bookings for this match as Murray cynically takes out Wilshere.
SHOT! Mkhitaryan gets a volley away from 25 yards but it's deflected wide of the target. Very ambitious from the Armenian.
SUBSTITUTIONS! Wenger makes his last two changes, with Chambers and Mkhitaryan being replaced by Bellerin and Nketiah.
Brighton have the ball in the net but Izquierdo is deemed to have been offside. It's the correct decision by the assistant with the Colombian having provided Murray with a tap-in.
It's starting to get a bit nervy for Brighton. March is forced to play a risky backpass through to Ryan, who just about gets the ball clear.
SUBSTITUTION! The final change for Brighton sees Kayal replace Gross.
There will be at least five minutes of added-on time after the stoppage for Schelotto. Brighton fans - don't get your hopes up just yet!
SHOT! A shot from Ozil is deflected behind for a corner, which finds Wilshere on the edge of the penalty area. However, the midfielder shoots well wide. There will be SEVEN minutes of added-on time.
CHANCE! Was this the chance? The ball falls invitingly for Aubameyang but from around 12 yards out, the Gabon international fires straight at Ryan.
Brighton almost get a chance to break forward in numbers through Izquierdo but Bellerin is the last man and deals with the danger. Two minutes to go.
FULL TIME: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Arsenal
The full-time whistle goes at the Amex Stadium and Brighton have held on to record a famous win over Arsenal. Brighton had not defeated a top-six side in seven attempts this season but this afternoon, they deserved their success over the Gunners. Wenger will inevitably face more questions regarding his future at the Emirates Stadium.
That will be all from Sports Mole for this match. Thank you for joining this afternoon and we hope that you can stick around for the fixture involving Manchester City and Chelsea.
If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
