Arsenal's Premier League title hopes have received a major boost as Manchester City drew their third game in-a-row on Wednesday evening.
Pep Guardiola's side looked to be gaining momentum throughout December, but have come unstuck at the turn of the New Year - drawing with Sunderland, Chelsea and now Brighton to allow Arsenal to move clear at the summit of the table.
The Gunners are five points clear heading into their midweek fixture with Liverpool on Thursday evening, where a win could take them eight clear and only add to their dreams of a first Premier League title in over two decades.
Arsenal received a huge boost courtesy of Manchester City
Arsenal received a huge boost courtesy of Manchester City (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
City had taken the lead in the first-half, after looking the better team in the opening period, when Erling Haaland ended his goal drought from the penalty spot.
Guardiola's side had their chances to double their lead, but as they did at the weekend against Chelsea seemed to run out of legs as Brighton grew into the game in the second half.
And on the hour mark, Kaoru Mitoma fired home to send the Seagulls level. Mitoma had a glorious opportunity to make it two not too long after, but his effort hit the post.
The introduction of Rayan Cherki swung the momentum back in the favour of City, but their efforts were tame and did little to the trouble the Brighton goal.
City had one last gilt-edged chance, when Cherki capitalised on a mistake from Yasin Ayari, but Haaland couldn't steer the shot into the net.
Speaking on Sky Sports, where he was on co-commentary, Gary Neville admitted: "It feels like a big week.
"Man City drawing at home to Brighton, it feels like another punch in the ribs.
"Arsenal will be going to bed tonight ahead of a big game tomorrow night against Liverpool very confident of where they are at right now."