Arsenal moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League after edging past Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday night.
A ninth-minute strike from Bukayo Saka proved decisive in a contest where Mikel Arteta’s side were far from their fluent best.
The visitors struggled to impose themselves for large spells, looking sluggish going forward and often careless in possession as Brighton repeatedly found space in midfield.
However, the league leaders showed resilience to grind out a hard-fought victory despite being second best for much of the encounter.
The win was Arsenal’s third consecutive league triumph and came on a night when title rivals Manchester City dropped points, further strengthening the Gunners’ position in the race for the title.
Arteta’s side had to cope without injured defender William Saliba, who missed the match with an ankle problem, while captain Martin Ødegaard also failed to recover in time.
Arsenal nearly gifted Brighton an early opener inside two minutes when goalkeeper David Raya misplaced a pass that fell to Carlos Baleba.
The midfielder attempted an audacious lob toward goal, but defender Gabriel Magalhães managed to recover and clear the danger.
The decisive moment arrived shortly after. Following a turnover in midfield, Jurriën Timber released Saka on the right flank.
The winger cut inside and fired toward goal, with the shot taking the slightest deflection off Baleba before slipping awkwardly through the legs of Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The goal marked Saka’s 300th appearance for Arsenal and continued his impressive record at the Amex, where he has now scored in three consecutive visits.
Brighton responded strongly and controlled long spells of the match, pushing Arsenal deep into their own half. Efforts from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter were blocked as the home side searched for an equaliser.
There was also a brief scare for Arsenal late in the first half when Martín Zubimendi twisted his ankle and required treatment, although he was able to continue.
The hosts remained the more threatening side after the break. Rutter forced Raya into a sharp one-handed save, while substitute Mats Wieffer squandered a golden opportunity late on when he headed straight at the Arsenal goalkeeper from close range.
Despite the sustained pressure and growing frustration from the Brighton supporters, Arsenal held firm to secure a narrow but crucial victory that strengthens their grip on the Premier League title race.
