Arsenal Beat Brighton 2-1 to Reclaim Premier League Top Spot

Arsenal Premier League win over Brighton propels Arteta’s side back to the top after a tense Emirates battle decided by Odegaard and set-piece pressure.

Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table after edging past Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Arteta’s side showing resilience rather than fluency to secure three vital points. The win moves the Gunners onto 42 points after 18 matches, restoring a two-point cushion over Manchester City following their earlier victory.

Martin Ødegaard struck early to settle nerves before Brighton defender Georginio Rutter diverted a Declan Rice corner into his own net. Diego Gomez’s second-half reply ensured a nervy finish, but Arsenal held firm to get the job done.

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Arsenal began with intensity and purpose, pinning Brighton deep from the opening whistle. Viktor Gyökeres missed a huge early chance inside two minutes, but the warning signs were clear.

The breakthrough arrived in the 14th minute after Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen gifted possession away. Martin Zubimendi pounced, Declan Rice kept the move alive, and Bukayo Saka teed up Ødegaard, who swept a precise left-footed finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

It was a timely moment for the Arsenal captain, whose leadership and composure helped dictate the tempo throughout the first half.

Arsenal Dominance Without the Killer Blow

Arteta’s side controlled possession and territory, racking up chance after chance but failing to deliver the knockout punch. Saka repeatedly exposed Brighton’s left flank, Gyökeres battled tirelessly against Lewis Dunk, and Zubimendi came close during a frantic goalmouth scramble.

Despite Arsenal registering 15 first-half attempts, the hosts went into the break with just a one-goal advantage — a familiar theme that left the door ajar.

Seven minutes after the restart, Arsenal’s set-piece dominance told once more. Rice whipped in an inswinging corner, and Rutter — under pressure at the near post — glanced the ball into his own net.

It marked Arsenal’s fourth goal from a corner across their last three home matches, underlining the growing importance of dead-ball situations during a period where open-play goals have been harder to come by.

Brighton responded positively and reduced the deficit on 64 minutes. A slick passing move involving Yankuba Minteh and Yasin Ayari ended with Ayari striking the post, before Diego Gomez smashed the rebound into the roof of the net.

The goal shifted momentum and forced Arsenal onto the back foot. Arteta responded by introducing Gabriel Magalhães for his first appearance since November, reinforcing a defence already stretched by injuries.

David Raya then produced a defining moment in the 76th minute, diving full-stretch to tip Minteh’s curling effort around the post — a save that ultimately preserved Arsenal’s lead.

Arsenal had chances to seal the contest late on. Gabriel Martinelli blazed over from six yards after a dangerous Saka cross, while Brighton saw multiple shots blocked in a frantic closing spell.

The final whistle brought relief rather than celebration, but the three points were all that mattered.

Key Performers for Arsenal

Declan Rice – 8/10 (Player of the Match): Excellent despite filling in at right-back, delivered the decisive corner and defended intelligently.

Martin Ødegaard – 8/10: Scored the opener and led by example in possession.

Bukayo Saka – 8/10: Constant outlet, creator, and Arsenal’s most dangerous attacker.

David Raya – 8/10: Produced a title-defining save when Arsenal needed it most.

This Arsenal Premier League win over Brighton keeps Arteta’s side in control at the summit ahead of a huge clash with Aston Villa on December 30. While concerns remain over chance conversion, Arsenal’s resilience, defensive organisation, and set-piece threat continue to deliver results.

Brighton, now winless in five, drop to 12th and will need to rediscover consistency in the new year.

For Arsenal, it was not perfect — but champions often win when they are not at their best.

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