Brighton 0-1 Arsenal: Bukayo Saka’s first-half goal made the difference as the Gunners took a big step towards winning their first Premier League title in over 20 years.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta talks to players during extended break
They became the pantomime villains of the Premier League. Arsenal are the team that everyone hates.
But somehow, through sheer grit and determination, they once again clinched a hard-fought victory and strengthened their position at the top of the Premier League table.
It was an ugly and violent game, but Arsenal left the Amex stage to jeers and boos, but after Manchester City fell back, they picked up three valuable points and moved seven points clear at the top of the table.
No wonder Arsenal players celebrated with their fans who were away for the last time. It felt like a big night in the title race, when the pendulum swung firmly in Arsenal’s favor with eight games remaining.
Bukayo Saka’s ninth-minute goal was all Arsenal needed to hang on and grab a valuable victory. They were wind-up merchants because they didn’t care about running out of time, tactical fouls, and using all the dark arts.
read more: Bukayo Saka beats Brighton to give Arsenal a seven-point lead – 5 talking pointsread more: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta explains absence from match against Brighton, updates on William Saliba’s injury
But it was enough to get the job done, even if it wasn’t as easy as it looked to say the least, and it’s also a testament to Arsenal’s resilience, although why Brighton failed to score is anyone’s guess. Gabriel was a huge asset to the Arsenal defence, and Piero Hincapie also struggled, winning every ball. That’s the kind of game it was.
The title race was so close between Arsenal and City that it was rare for both teams to actually kick off at the same time on the same day.
Incredibly, apart from next month’s title decider against City, this is the last time Arsenal will leave London for the remainder of the Premier League season. Arsenal will play in front of City again in the third round, so their mettle for the title will be tested in a thrilling head-to-head clash.
The trip to Brighton certainly felt like a tougher test for Arteta’s side, but they started like a nervous-looking side, knowing it was a crucial night for their title ambitions.
Arteta’s side are seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.
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Gunners keeper David Raya’s sloppy pass from the back went straight to Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleva, who ran brilliantly into the goal. Baleva chipped the ball over Raya, and Gabriel heroically tracked it back and headed it across the goal line. It was a big disappointment.
Arsenal then made a very lucky break before taking the lead. Brighton shouted for a handball against Pierrot Hincapie, but no handball was awarded. Arsenal continued to play and there were 15 seconds between their attack and the visitors’ first goal. I doubt if VAR will rescind the play.
Julian Timber fed the ball wide to Bukayo Saka and his shot deflected badly off Valeba, which misfooted Bert Verbruggen, but the Brighton keeper still should have done better.
Arsenal were still on edge. Cristian Mosquera came on in place of the injured William Saliba, but gave the ball away before being booked for a foul on Georginio Rutter. Gabriel put Arsenal out again with a final tackle on Mitoma Kalou.
Bukayo Saka scores the only goal as Arsenal beat Brighton
Arsenal played second. Brighton became increasingly frustrated as fans jeered at every decision and screamed at Arsenal’s waste of time and tactical fouls.
Arteta’s men have become unpopular with every other fan. Brighton had a big chance when Yankuba Minte cut into the box and his low cross somehow failed to convert into goal.
Rutter did his best to force Raya into a great save. Mats Wiefer and Jack Hinshelwood missed heading chances. Incredibly, set-piece kings Arsenal didn’t get their first corner until the 63rd minute. They created very little.
Leandro Trossard, the former Brighton forward for Arsenal, had only one big chance after coming on, but he smashed the ball wide to the delight of the home fans.
The visiting team introduced Kai Havertz, giving them at least more quality up front than Viktor Gökeres. A full effort from Havertz resulted in Verbruggen making a good save at his near post.
It was really rough until the final whistle. But Arsenal celebrated at the end, knowing this could be a pivotal night in the title race.
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