Arsenal edged one point ahead of title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City after an impressive away victory against Brighton. This move came as Liverpool faced Manchester United at Old Trafford, providing Arsenal with a chance to assert their title ambitions.
Meanwhile, Manchester City had earlier secured a 4-2 win against Crystal Palace, keeping the title race intense and competitive.
The returning Bukayo Saka played a pivotal role for Arsenal, as he kept his composure to score a first-half penalty awarded for Tariq Lamptey’s foul on Gabriel Jesus. Despite Brighton’s attempts to equalize, goalkeeper David Raya made a crucial save just before halftime, denying Julio Enciso’s long-range effort and preserving Arsenal’s lead.
This resilience from Arsenal’s defense proved vital in maintaining their advantage going into the break.In the second half, Kai Havertz extended Arsenal’s lead with a well-taken goal, easing the nerves among the travelling Arsenal supporters.
Former Brighton player Leandro Trossard had opportunities to pull one back for Brighton but was thwarted by Bart Verbruggen. Eventually, Brighton’s hopes of European football suffered a setback as they dropped to 10th in the table, with wins for West Ham and Newcastle above them further denting their aspirations.
