New Delhi: Matchday 18 of the Premier League saw contrasting fortunes for two teams vying for different goals as the festive period continues to unfold. Brighton & Hove Albion were left frustrated by Brentford in a goalless draw at the Amex Stadium, as they registered an impressive 24 shots but could not find the breakthrough. Julio Enciso was especially unlucky, attempting eight shots in the first half alone, but Brighton’s inability to finish left them still searching for a win after six matches.
Elsewhere, Arsenal capitalised on Chelsea’s loss to climb to second place, edging out Ipswich Town 1-0 at the Emirates. Kai Havertz’s first-half strike was enough to secure the win, as Mikel Arteta’s side maintained their strong home form. Ipswich, on the other hand, remain rooted to the bottom of the table, failing to register a shot on target as their struggles continue. Here’s a wrap-up of the key moments from both matches.
Brighton 0-0 Brentford
FT: We have to settle for another point. 🤝
[0-0] 📲 #BHABRE // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/k027xD3X6S
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 27, 2024
Brighton & Hove Albion were held to a goalless draw by Brentford at the Amex Stadium, failing to break their six-match winless streak despite registering an impressive 24 shots. Brighton’s Julio Enciso was particularly frustrated, attempting eight shots in the first half alone – the most by a player in the opening 45 minutes of a Premier League match since Luis Suarez in 2013.
Brentford had their own near-miss, with Yoane Wissa’s 14th-minute strike ruled out for offside after a VAR review. Brighton had early chances too, with Enciso hitting the post and Brentford keeper Mark Flekken making a smart save to deny Carlos Baleba.
However, Flekken was forced off injured before the break, and his replacement, Hakon Valdimarsson, kept Brighton at bay, making a key save in the 80th minute to deny Simon Adingra.
Despite dominating possession and shots, Brighton struggled to find a breakthrough, with Brentford’s defence standing firm. The result leaves Brighton in 10th place, while Brentford climb to 11th, having earned only their second away point of the season. Brighton’s lack of clinical finishing continues to hinder their progress, and they’ll need to find their rhythm in the new year.
Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich Town
Rounding off 2024 with a win ✅ pic.twitter.com/iT9CUBmhTZ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 27, 2024
Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium, with Kai Havertz’s goal in the 23rd minute proving the difference. The win lifted the Gunners to second in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Liverpool. Havertz was in the right place to finish off Leandro Trossard’s cross, after Gabriel Magalhaes had missed a great chance to double the lead.
Ipswich had an early scare when Liam Delap missed a chance to put them ahead inside the first 25 seconds, but they struggled to create any meaningful chances thereafter. Arsenal controlled the match and Gabriel Jesus had a goal ruled out for offside just before the break. Despite squandering a couple of chances, including Gabriel’s header wide from close range, Arsenal saw out the win comfortably.
Ipswich, who remain 19th in the table, failed to register a shot on target and were unable to threaten Arsenal’s defence, which has been solid all season. With Arsenal keeping their unbeaten home run intact, they will look to build on this result in upcoming away matches. Ipswich will face Chelsea next, knowing their struggles continue.
Brighton were held to a goalless draw by Brentford, while Arsenal edged past Ipswich 1-0 with a Kai Havertz goal, moving up to second place in the Premier League after both teams faced tough challenges on December 28. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
