Arsenal secured a nervy 2-1 victory over Brighton at the Emirates Stadium to return to the top of the Premier League table. Martin Odegaard's early goal and a Georginio Rutter own goal gave the Gunners the lead, but Diego Gomez pulled one back for the visitors. David Raya's stunning save preserved the win, placing Arsenal two points clear of Manchester City.
Arsenal hosted Brighton on December 27, 2025, aiming to maintain their position at the summit of the Premier League after Manchester City's earlier win displaced them. The match kicked off at 15:00 GMT, with Mikel Arteta's side making eight changes from their midweek Carabao Cup victory, including returns for David Raya, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Viktor Gyokeres. Brighton's lineup featured captain Lewis Dunk back from suspension and Diego Gomez returning, though they entered winless in four league games.
The Gunners took the lead in the 14th minute when Bart Verbruggen's poor goal-kick was punished. Bukayo Saka pulled the ball back for Odegaard, who swept it home from the edge of the area. Arsenal dominated the first half but couldn't add to their tally, with Verbruggen making a reflex save to deny Martin Zubimendi before Leandro Trossard shot over. The Brighton keeper was booked for fouling Gyokeres shortly after.
Seven minutes into the second half, fortune favored Arsenal as Declan Rice's corner delivery was inadvertently turned into his own net by Georginio Rutter, making it 2-0. However, Diego Gomez halved the deficit in the 64th minute, converting the rebound after Yasin Ayari hit the post. Tension mounted, but Raya's fingertip save denied Yankuba Minteh's header, securing the three points.
This result leaves Arsenal two points ahead of City, though Arteta's team faces a tougher challenge against Aston Villa on Tuesday. Brighton, five points from the top five, continue their struggles, having scored just once in their last three outings.
