Arsenal resisted a late Brighton rally to reclaim first place in the Premier League after securing a 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium.
Manchester City’s earlier victory over Nottingham Forest meant the Gunners had to take all three points to move back above them, but despite controlling much of the match, they were forced to battle hard for the result.
Martin Odegaard gave Arsenal an early advantage in the 14th minute, scoring his first goal of the campaign with a driven effort from outside the area. However, after missing several opportunities to extend their lead, Arsenal relied on their fourth own goal in four matches, this time from Georginio Rutter, to make it 2-0.
Their profligacy almost proved costly when Diego Gomez converted a rebound midway through the second half. Brighton then went close to equalising, only for David Raya to produce an outstanding full-stretch save to keep out substitute Yankubah Minteh.
Arsenal still fashioned chances of their own, though Gabriel Martinelli wasted the clearest one after coming on, firing over from a Bukayo Saka delivery. Viktor Gyokeres also had a frustrating afternoon, missing a one-on-one opportunity as early as the second minute.
Injuries again complicated Arsenal’s build-up, with Jurrien Timber unavailable, forcing Declan Rice to deputise at right-back, while Riccardo Calafiori was withdrawn in the warm-up and replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Even with those disruptions, Brighton failed to register a shot in the first half. However, Arsenal’s lack of sharpness kept the contest alive, and Brighton’s goal unsettled the home crowd, prompting Mikel Arteta to introduce the returning Gabriel Magalhaes to help close out the match.
Although the win required more effort than expected given Arsenal’s chances, it restores their two-point lead at the top of the table. Brighton, meanwhile, drop to 12th and remain without a win in five games.
