Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table with a 2–1 victory over Brighton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side went into the match depleted at the back and suffered a further blow when Riccardo Calafiori was injured in the warm-up.
Manchester City’s earlier 2–1 win away to Nottingham Forest meant Arsenal had to respond to regain top spot, and although they dominated large spells, Brighton pushed them hard in the closing stages.
Despite their defensive issues, the Gunners started brightly and took the lead in the 14th minute. A poor goal-kick from Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was seized upon by Bukayo Saka, who squared for Martin Ødegaard to fire a low finish from the edge of the area.
It was the Arsenal captain’s first goal of the season, ending a drought that stretched back to May.
Arsenal should have extended their advantage before the break. Viktor Gyökeres capitalised on a Lewis Dunk error but shot straight at Verbruggen, while Declan Rice saw an effort cleared off the line by Dunk. Verbruggen was also called into action to deny Gyökeres again with a sharp save.
The hosts doubled their lead seven minutes into the second half when Georginio Rutter inadvertently headed Rice’s corner into his own net, continuing Arsenal’s strong record from set-pieces this season.
Brighton, who failed to register a single shot in the first half, pulled one back in the 64th minute. Yasin Ayari struck the post, and Diego Gomez reacted quickest to turn in the rebound from close range.
Arsenal held on for a third successive league win and now sit two points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
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