Arsenal climbed back to the top of the Premier League table on Saturday, securing a hard-fought 2-1 home victory against Brighton & Hove Albion. The win, achieved despite a late injury blow to defender Riccardo Calafiori in the warm-up, was orchestrated by a brilliant captain's performance from Martin Odegaard.
Odegaard Shines as Gunners Seize Control
The breakthrough came in the first half through the Norwegian playmaker. Found by Bukayo Saka on the edge of the area, Martin Odegaard drove a low, precise shot past Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to give the hosts a deserved lead. Arsenal doubled their advantage shortly after the interval in fortuitous circumstances. Declan Rice, deployed at right-back due to Jurrien Timber's absence, delivered an in-swinging corner that Brighton forward Georginio Rutter could only head into his own net.
Brighton Fightback Thwarted by Raya Save
Roberto De Zerbi's Seagulls refused to capitulate and found a route back into the contest. A shot rebounded off the post and fell kindly for Diego Gomez, who made no mistake from close range. The visitors pressed for an equaliser, forcing Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya into a crucial late intervention. The Spaniard produced an excellent save to tip Yankuba Minteh's curling effort over the crossbar, preserving the three points for Mikel Arteta's side.
Arsenal Player Ratings: Star Man and Struggling Striker
The individual performances painted a mixed picture for the league leaders. Martin Odegaard earned a standout rating of 9 for a commanding display that included his goal and several key chances created. Declan Rice also impressed with an 8, adapting seamlessly to his defensive role and providing the assist for the second goal.
However, it was another difficult afternoon for summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, who was rated a 5. The Swedish striker spurned multiple opportunities, including a volley in the opening minutes and a second-half chance struck straight at Verbruggen. Substitute Myles Lewis-Skelly, a late replacement for Calafiori, also received a 5 after a nervy introduction to the action.
Other notable ratings included:
- David Raya (7): Redeemed an early error with a match-winning save.
- William Saliba (7): A rock at the back with a vital last-ditch tackle.
- Bukayo Saka (7): Provided the assist for Odegaard but lacked his usual cutting edge in front of goal.
- Substitutes Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli all made contributions from the bench, each earning a 6.
The result provides a perfect response to Manchester City's earlier victory and keeps the title race intensely poised as the season approaches its climax.
