Arsenal reclaimed top spot in the Premier League on Saturday, but their 2-1 victory over Brighton at the Emirates Stadium was a nervy affair compounded by a worsening defensive injury crisis.
Odegaard and Own Goal Secure Vital Points
The Gunners, knowing Manchester City had won earlier, started with intent and were rewarded after just 14 minutes. Martin Odegaard capitalised on a Brighton error, collecting a pass from Bukayo Saka, steadying himself, and drilling a low left-footed finish into the bottom corner for his first goal of the season.
The hosts doubled their lead early in the second half. Declan Rice's in-swinging corner was met by Brighton's Georginio Rutter, whose unfortunate near-post header flew past his own goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen. It was the fourth own goal Arsenal have benefited from in their last three home matches.
Brighton Fightback Thwarted by Raya
Brighton refused to capitulate and halved the deficit just after the hour mark. After Yasin Ayari's effort struck the post, Diego Gomez was quickest to react, lashing the rebound past David Raya to set up a tense finale.
The visitors pressed for an equaliser, and Raya produced a pivotal moment with 15 minutes remaining. The Arsenal goalkeeper made a spectacular diving save to fingertip Yankuba Minteh's curling effort around the post, a stop that could prove crucial in the title race. Mikel Arteta's side survived further late anxiety, including a missed chance by substitute Gabriel Martinelli, to secure three precious points.
Defensive Worries Mount for Title-Chasing Gunners
The victory, which sends Arsenal two points clear before hosting Aston Villa on Tuesday, came at a significant cost. The defensive injury crisis deepened dramatically when Riccardo Calafiori was injured in the warm-up, joining Jurrien Timber, Ben White, and Cristhian Mosquera on the sidelines.
This forced Arteta to deploy Declan Rice as an emergency right-back, a role in which he largely impressed. There was a rare positive as defender Gabriel made his long-awaited return from injury as a second-half substitute, having been out since November 8.
For Brighton, the defeat extends a poor run of form, with just two points taken from their last five matches, seeing them slip to 12th in the table. Arsenal, however, will hope their patched-up defence can hold firm as they aim to end a two-decade wait for the Premier League crown.
