Arsenal took another significant step toward the Premier League title with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Brighton. The result became even more valuable after a surprising stumble from Manchester City, who were held to a draw by struggling Nottingham Forest. As a consequence, Mikel Arteta’s side extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points.

The decisive moment came early in the match and fittingly belonged to Bukayo Saka, who was celebrating his 300th appearance for Arsenal. The England international found the net after his effort took a fortunate deflection off Carlos Baleba, sending the ball past the goalkeeper and giving the visitors the lead.

After the break, Brighton responded with greater intensity and gradually took control of possession, pushing Arsenal deeper into their own half. The home side came closest to an equaliser when Georginio Rutter found space in the box, but his attempt failed to hit the target.

Under mounting pressure, Arsenal’s defence stood firm during the closing stages, preserving a crucial clean sheet. The final whistle confirmed a valuable three points for Mikel Arteta’s men.

2025-26, England - Premier League

Brighton - Arsenal 0:1 (0:1)
Goals: Saka B., 9 (0:1)

Brighton: Verbruggen; van Hecke; Boscagli; Hinshelwood (Welbeck, 69); Baleba (Ayari, 77); Mitoma (Minteh, 46); Gomez D. (Howell, 78); Wieffer (Veltman, 77); Groß; Kadioglu; Rutter
Substitution: Minteh (from 46); Welbeck (from 69); Veltman (from 77); Ayari (from 77); Howell (from 78)
Bench: Steele; De Cuyper; Milner; O`Riley
Yellow Cards: Gomez D. 52; Boscagli 80; Kadioglu 82; Ayari 90

Arsenal: Raya; Mosquera Cr. (Calafiori, 64); Hincapie; Gabriel M.; Timber J.; Zubimendi (Nørgaard, 80); Saka B.; Eze; Rice; Martinelli (Trossard, 60); Gyökeres (Havertz, 59)
Substitution: Havertz (from 59); Trossard (from 60); Calafiori (from 64); Nørgaard (from 80)
Bench: Arrizabalaga; Lewis-Skelly; Madueke; Dowman M.; Gabriel Jesus
Yellow Cards: Mosquera Cr. 11