West Ham vs Brighton: Marko Arnautovic rescues point for Hammers
Marko Arnautovic's quickfire double rescued West Ham from another defeat by bogey side Brighton.
The Hammers were staring at a fourth loss in four meetings with Brighton since they were promoted after goals from Dale Stephens and Shane Duffy put the visitors in charge.
But two goals in two minutes from Austrian forward Arnautovic lifted the hoodoo as West Ham snatched a 2-2 draw.
All the goals came in the space of 12 second-half minutes of a contest which came to life after Brighton struck from two corners. Re-live the action below:
Six games for our consumption this evening, with 12 more Premier League clubs looking to get 2019 off to the perfect start.
We'll be bringing you goal updates from the five 7.45pm kick-offs and more detailed coverage of Newcastle and Manchester United at St James' Park, which gets under way at 8.00pm.
Team news from each of the five early games will be in shortly....
As mentioned, this man returns to the Premier League tonight, Samir Nasri on the bench and ready for action should West Ham call upon him this evening.
Not too long to digest all of the team news elsewhere.
Just a couple of minutes until the starting lineups are named on Tyneside. Will Alexis Sanchez make an immediate return to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first XI?
The first major move of the transfer window came this morning at Stamford Bridge. Prodigious American Christian Pulisic has emerged as one of Europe's most coveted talents over the last few years, and Chelsea have won the race for his signing, with a reported fee of £58 million required to bring the winger to the club.
Pulisic will remain at Borussia Dortmund on loan until the summer before moving to London for the start of next season.
An ambitious and exciting signing, but not one without potential drawbacks for Chelsea. On the transfer, it's our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney:
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is striving to become the first Manchester United manager since Sir Matt Busby in 1946 to win his first four games in charge. Esteemed company.
What has the Norwegian brought to the club since arriving to inspire his perfect start?
There will be more mid-table jostling this evening, with four of the sides seeking seventh meeting.
Andy Carroll makes his first start for more than a year as West Ham host Brighton, while the delayed fixture at the Vitality Stadium sees Bournemouth meet Watford.
It's all a little congested among the Premier League's most consistently inconsistent teams. Leicester's win at Everton yesterday leaves them seventh for the time being, but there could be plenty of movement behind them today.
Indeed, Wolves could leapfrog their fellow Midlanders for that 'best of the rest' spot with a win over Crystal Palace at Molineux.
Some bad news for the visitors in the last hour-or-so - it is understood a deal for Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke is dead (for the time being at least)
Roy Hodgson is desperate to improve his forward options this January, and was effusive in talking up Solanke earlier in the week. Jordan Ayew starts this evening, a selection decision that has not gone down well with the Palace fans on Twitter...
The match will not be shown live on TV or online in the UK. Highlights will be shown on Match of the Day on BBC One at 22:45.
Independent Sport will also keep you up to date with all the goals via our live blog.
Player to watch
Marko Arnautovic: Injury has slowed the Austrian strikers’ season but nevertheless he still has five goals and two assists to his name in 14 appearances. Labelled by many as the best player outside the top six, Arnautovic brings a huge threat against any side in the division.
Form guide
West Ham: LWLWWW
Brighton: WDLLLW
Odds
West Ham to win: 10/11
Brighton to win: 13/4
Draw: 5/2
Prediction
West Ham 3-1 Brighton: Brighton are a very different side away from home and have struggled when visiting teams. West Ham were poor against Burnley but with that loss aside, they’re still on good form. I’m confident they’ll respond and I think they’ll win this one.
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