PREVIEW: Arsenal host Brighton as The Gunners want to break Christmas curse

PREVIEW: Arsenal host Brighton as The Gunners want to break Christmas curse

Arsenal top the Premier League at Christmas but face Brighton, seeking to end a winless run and challenge the Gunners’ strong home record.

Arsenal lead the Premier League at Christmas for the fifth time, yet have never converted this position into a title. Manager Mikel Arteta faces pressure, as no manager has failed to win the title three times after leading at Christmas.

Manchester City and Aston Villa closely trail Arsenal, leaving little margin for error. The Gunners have won their last ten home matches, including a penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Brighton endured a four-match winless streak (two draws, two losses) before Christmas, falling five points behind the top four. The Seagulls have not scored in their last two games and risk a third consecutive blank for the first time since January 2024.

Under manager Fabian HFCrzeler, Brighton have not won any of their ten Premier League matches in December (six draws, four losses), marking an all-time negative record for a manager in the competition.

Arsenal defeated Brighton 2-0 in the Carabao Cup at the Emirates in October, extending their unbeaten run against the Seagulls to five matches (three wins, two draws).

Arsenal have received the joint-fewest yellow cards in the Premier League this season (22) and have kept nine clean sheets in their last 14 home games, never conceding more than once in that span.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya is set for his 150th Premier League appearance, having kept 58 clean sheets since his debut—the most in the league during that period. Former Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck, now with Brighton, has scored three of his four goals against the Gunners at the Emirates.

Arsenal defender Gabriel is nearing a return, while Brighton’s Mats Wieffer is a doubt after limping off against Sunderland.

Arsenal’s strong home form makes them favourites, with a bet on the Gunners to win without conceding considered attractive. Four of Brighton’s last five matches have featured fewer than 2.5 goals, and none of their last four away games saw both teams score.

With Arsenal’s defensive strength and Brighton’s struggles in December, the Gunners look well placed to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table.