By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, 27 December 2025 - Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table with a 2–1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, a result that sees the Gunners leapfrog Manchester City and strengthen their title hopes.
The match’s first breakthrough came in the 14th minute when Martin Ødegaard opened the scoring with a composed finish after Brighton’s defence failed to clear a loose ball.
The Arsenal captain, scoring his first league goal of the season following a return from injury, picked his moment expertly inside the box to give his side an early lead.
Arsenal doubled their advantage early in the second half with a stroke of luck.
In the 52nd minute, Brighton defender Georginio Rutter diverted a corner into his own net, giving the hosts a 2–0 cushion. The goal marked Arsenal’s fourth own goal benefit in their last three home matches, an unusual but welcome source of attacking returns for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Brighton refused to go quietly.
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In the 64th minute, Diego Gómez pulled one back with a well-taken finish after reacting to his own rebound following a shot that hit the post, setting up a nervous finale for the home fans.
Despite Brighton’s spirited comeback attempt, Arsenal held on, with goalkeeper David Raya producing key saves to deny late threats, including a curling effort from Yankuba Minteh.
The victory takes Arsenal to 42 points from 18 matches, moving them back above Manchester City, who had briefly reclaimed first place earlier in the day with their own win away at Forrest, and puts the Gunners in control of the title race even though with a small margin as the festive period continues.
Brighton remain in mid-table but showed enough fight to make the final stages of the match tense.
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