Arsenal reclaimed top spot in the Premier League after edging Brighton 2-1 in a tense encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s men began the penultimate match of the year knowing victory would lift them above Manchester City, and they wasted little time asserting control.
Captain Martin Ødegaard opened the scoring in the 14th minute, curling a composed left-footed strike into the corner for his first league goal of the campaign.
The Gunners doubled their lead shortly after the restart when Brighton midfielder Georginio Rutter inadvertently headed Declan Rice’s corner into his own net.
However, the visitors refused to fold and reignited the contest just past the hour mark as Diego Gómez pounced on a rebound to fire beyond David Raya.
Brighton pushed hard for an equaliser, with Raya producing a superb diving save to deny Yankuba Minteh late on, a moment that could prove decisive in Arsenal’s pursuit of a first league title in 20 years.
The victory moves Arsenal two points clear of City ahead of their final game of the year at home to third-placed Aston Villa on Tuesday. Brighton, meanwhile, continue to struggle, picking up only two points from their last five matches to drop to 12th.
Arteta’s injury woes deepened even before kick-off, as Riccardo Calafiori was forced out during the warm-up. Jurriën Timber and Ben White were already unavailable, prompting Rice to deputise impressively at right-back, while Cristhian Mosquera also remains sidelined.
There was some relief, though, as Gabriel made his return from injury in the second half.
With City having won earlier in the day, pressure was firmly on Arsenal, who have finished runners-up for the past three seasons.
They responded positively, creating early chances through Viktor Gyökeres and Bukayo Saka, both denied by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The breakthrough came when Martín Zubimendi capitalised on a poor clearance, allowing Rice and Saka to combine before Ødegaard struck clinically.
Arsenal continued to dominate, carving out several openings before the interval, although Verbruggen avoided harsher punishment for a late challenge on Gyökeres.
Another set-piece proved decisive early in the second half as Rutter’s own goal extended Arsenal’s lead, the fourth own goal the Gunners have benefited from in three home games.
Despite appearing comfortable, Arsenal were rocked when Raya’s post denied Yasin Ayari and Gómez smashed in the rebound.
Late nerves followed as Brighton threatened an equaliser, and Gabriel Martinelli missed a golden chance to seal the win.
Still, Arsenal held firm to secure a vital three points and keep Pep Guardiola’s resurgent Manchester City at bay.
