Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson scored against Arsenal on Saturday night amid links to Preston North End.
The Gunners have extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points after beating the Seagulls 4-2.
There was something of a late scare for Arsenal though as Brighton threatened a comeback from 4-1 down.
Substitute Ferguson made a big impact and scored Brighton’s second before Kaoru Mitoma had one ruled out through VAR.
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Ferguson just gave Brighton something different in attack and forced a fine save from Aaron Ramsdale as he chased another goal.
The teenager presented a real physical threat to the Arsenal attack and his sheer determination brought him that first Premier League goal.
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Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has hailed Ferguson, suggesting that the striker has ‘very big potential’.
This was the dream end to 2022 for Ferguson but it may not be great news for PNE.
The Daily Mail reported in November that North End were interested in taking Ferguson on loan in the January transfer window.
Sheffield United, Millwall, Middlesbrough, Birmingham City, Bristol City, Wigan Athletic and Ipswich Town were also claimed to be in the race.
Yet it now feels like Ferguson may have secured himself a role around De Zerbi’s first-team for the second half of the season.
Ferguson, 18, joined Brighton from Bohemians in 2021 having received interest from Premier League giants Liverpool.
Ferguson has hit five goals in six Premier League 2 games this season and has already scored in the EFL Cup.
A first Premier League goal just goes to show the kind of quality Ferguson possesses and the Irish striker looks like a real prospect for the future.
PNE are looking for striking additions this month and Ferguson would have made sense, possibly adding to the Irish contingent – but Saturday’s goal makes North End’s chase a little trickier.