Chris Sutton has boldly tipped Arsenal to lose only their second league game of the season in his final Premier League predictions of 2022.
After 15 games, the Gunners are five points clear at the top of the table, and following their impressive comeback win against West Ham on Boxing Day, Arsenal fans have real hope that they can beat Manchester City in the title race.
But they face a tricky test in their final game of the year: a trip to high-flying Brighton on New Year’s Eve.
The Seagulls are seventh in the table and have maintained their impressive start to the season despite losing manager Graham Potter to Chelsea back in September.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side have already got the better of Mikel Arteta’s men once this season, knocking them out of the Carabao Cup after a 3-1 win at the Emirates in November.
And Sutton believes history could repeat itself, telling BBC Sport: ‘If Arsenal go to Brighton and win then that will be a sign that they can go all the way and win the title.
‘It was massive for the Gunners that Eddie Nketiah scored in their win over West Ham, and he took his goal really well too, but this is a big test of their resolve, and the sort of game where they will miss the injured Gabriel Jesus.
Brighton knocked Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup earlier in the season but they actually have a decent record against them in the Premier League in recent years, and beat them at Emirates Stadium in April.
‘I’m going for another Seagulls success here, although the way they play means Arsenal will have chances. 2-1.’
Arsenal have dropped points just twice in the league so far, suffering a 3-1 loss at Manchester United, and a 1-1 draw at Southampton.
Sutton also tipped City to thrash Everton 5-0, and if his predictions come true Pep Guardiola’s team will be just two points behind the Gunners come the turn of the year.
In more positive news for Arsenal fans, the former striker also believes Tottenham will fail to beat an Aston Villa side rejuvenated under former Gunners boss Unai Emery.
He added: ‘I just don’t know what to expect from Tottenham. For a team that is fourth in the table, they are extremely inconsistent and very unconvincing at times.
Which Spurs side will turn up here, why does their manager Antonio Conte always say they are tired and why do they go behind in games so often?
‘Aston Villa were well beaten by Liverpool in the end but they were pretty lively going forward.
‘So, I have a sneaking feeling this will end up in a draw, although I suppose that is mostly because I have no idea what kind of performance we will see from Tottenham.’
