Premier League: Brighton Hold Man City To Boost Arsenal Title Hopes

Last Updated:January 08, 2026, 08:01 IST

Kaoru Mitoma’s second-half strike cancelled out Erling Haaland’s opener in the first half as Pep Guardiola’s men had to share the spoils on the day at home.

Manchester City’s Phil Foden, left, is fouled by Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Brighton and Hove Albion in Manchester, England, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Brighton managed to play out a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday against Manchester City, giving Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal the opportunity to further the Gunners’ lead at the top of the English top-flight.

Kaoru Mitoma’s second-half strike cancelled out Erling Haaland’s opener in the first half as Pep Guardiola’s men had to share the spoils on the day at home.

Haaland broke the deadlock from the spot in the 41st minute of the game as Guardiola and Co. took a slender one-goal lead into the break. However, Fabian Hurzeler’s men pulled back on level terms thanks to Mitoma’s equaliser at the hour mark.

The win limited City to 43 points in 21 games, five behind top-placed Arsenal, who can open up a eight point lead if they manage to win against Liverpool on Friday.

At the Craven Cottage, Fulham pulled off an unexpected victory by defeating Chelsea 2-1 in their Premier League clash as goals from Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson, flanking a strike from Liam Delap, secured the win for Marco Silva’s team against their London rivals. Jimenez opened the scoring for the Cottagers in the 55th minute, following Marc Cucurella’s dismissal just 22 minutes into the match. Delap equalised for Chelsea in the 72nd minute, but Wilson’s goal nine minutes from the end ensured Fulham’s triumph over Calum McFarlane’s side.

Meanwhile, Manchester United earned a point from their trip to Turf Moor, drawing 2-2 with Burnley. Benjamin Sesko’s brace helped United share the points after Ayden Heaven’s own goal and Jaidon Anthony’s equaliser. Heaven, who has been outstanding for United this season, accidentally gave Burnley the lead by scoring an own goal in the 13th minute. Sesko brought United level with a goal in the 50th minute and scored again ten minutes later to put his team in front. However, Anthony, who had just been substituted on, levelled the score for Scott Parker’s team in the 66th minute.

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