Arsenal 2-1 Brighton: Mikel Arteta’s side are confident of going into their final Premier League game in 2025 top of the table with victory against Brighton.
Arsenal beat Brighton 2-1 at the Emirates, reclaiming top spot in the Premier League from Manchester City and giving their fans a late Christmas present.
A goal from captain Martin Odegaard paved the way for Arsenal to win. The Norwegian midfielder sent a sweet shot past Bad Verbruggen from the edge of the box and wide at the near post.
Arsenal added an away goal for the remainder of the first half, but Georginio Rutter inadvertently extended their lead in the 52nd minute when he headed Declan Rice’s corner kick past his own keeper.
Diego Gomez found the back of the net shortly after the break, setting the stage for a big hit in the final 30 minutes at the Emirates, but Arsenal also took the lead and secured all three points to kick off a frenzied festive period. Here are Mirror Football’s five talking points…
read more: Transfer news LIVE: Manchester United target Garner return, Liverpool receive Konate latest updates, Arsenal priorityread more: Arsenal explain why Declan Rice was forced to be substituted and Mikel Arteta was absent
1. Odegaard’s counterattack
This season has been difficult for Odegaard, who has been plagued by injuries. The signing of Eberechi Eze also had some speculating whether Arteta’s chief manager would be guaranteed a starting place this term.
But Odegaard stepped up his style even further to give Arsenal a big Christmas win. His first-half strike – his first goal of the season – was crucial in helping Mikel Arteta’s side survive a difficult game against Brighton, who have caused much misery for the Gunners in the past.
2. Gunners never make mistakes.
Arsenal and Manchester City will be looking to snatch another title challenge, with the latter leapfrogging Arteta’s side with victory over Nottingham Forest earlier in the day.
However, Arsenal were dejected with half an hour remaining after Brighton threatened to hit back for a share of the spoils. Rutter’s own goal means four of Arsenal’s last six goals have been scored by opposition players. But they’re all important.
3. Injury is the key.
It’s no secret that Arsenal have been plagued by injury problems this season and are without several key players, including Arteta. And on Saturday, they were forced to be without both first-choice full-backs on Saturday after Julian Timber was removed from the squad as a precautionary measure and Riccardo Calafioli picked up an issue in the warm-up.
It remains to be seen whether they will return when Arsenal take on Aston Villa in the top flight on Tuesday night, but there was some good news in Gabriel’s return to the squad.
There is an argument to be made that the Brazilian defender is Arsenal’s most important player, but having him back before 2026 would be a welcome boost.
4. Step up rice
Is there anything he can’t do? Rice has developed into one of Arsenal’s most dynamic and complete midfielders, but was asked by Saturday’s squad to replace him at right-back alongside Julian Timber.
To no one’s surprise, Arsenal’s Mr. Consistent was able to keep Brighton at bay in an unfamiliar position. And although he was hampered by his defensive role, it didn’t prevent him from adding more assists to his tally this season, with his wicked near-post corner early in the second half having an unfortunate rutter into the net.
Big-ticket deals don’t always work out in the Premier League. But Rice has been worth every penny and continues to excel in unfamiliar surroundings.
5. Gokeres struggles again
Some are left wondering if the Swedish striker, often praised for his brilliant recruiting efforts, has missed out on the Seagulls after their defeat to Brighton set the Championship and Portuguese league on fire.
But it was another memorable afternoon for the former Sporting Lisbon striker.
Although he had no intention of adding to the five goals he has scored in the Premier League so far, attention to the striker’s contributions continues to grow. 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for Gokeres, and they need to hit the ground running.
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