Arsenal reclaimed top spot in the Premier League on Saturday, but not before enduring a late scare in a 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium. The win, which saw Mikel Arteta's side leapfrog Manchester City, was a testament to their resilient defence and key contributions from their captain.
Odegaard Opens Account in Hard-Fought Victory
The match began under a cloud of anxiety for the Gunners, who had seen Manchester City temporarily overtake them earlier in the day. Injuries compounded the tension, with Riccardo Calafiori pulling out in the warm-up and Ben White absent, forcing Declan Rice into an unfamiliar right-back role.
However, the nerves were settled by a superb team goal. After a poor pass from Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen, Rice headed forward to Bukayo Saka. The winger then found Martin Odegaard on the edge of the box, and the Norwegian captain drilled home his first Arsenal goal of the season to give the hosts a crucial lead.
Own Goal and Raya Save Secure Crucial Points
Arsenal's second goal after half-time followed a familiar recent pattern. A whipped corner from Declan Rice was turned into his own net by a Brighton defender, marking the fourth own goal Arsenal have benefited from in their last three matches.
The Seagulls refused to lie down, and Diego Gomez's strike set up a frantic finale. Arsenal's victory was ultimately secured by a stunning late save from goalkeeper David Raya, who denied Yankuba Minteh to ensure the three points stayed in North London.
Title Race Intensity and Gyokeres Conundrum
The win extends Arsenal's run of consecutive home league victories to six, but the performance highlighted ongoing questions. Notably, striker Viktor Gyokeres was substituted after 71 minutes without scoring, with opposition players continuing to outscore the Swede for the club this season.
In his programme notes, captain Odegaard set the tone for the tense run-in, stating: “We relish the fight and know what is at stake, so we have to leave absolutely everything out there and play from the first whistle to the last in every single game.” With the title race poised to be another fraught battle with Manchester City, the leadership of Odegaard, alongside Saka and Rice, will be paramount if Arsenal are to end their two-decade wait for the Premier League crown.
