Arsenal narrowly defeated Brighton 1–0 to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points.
Bukayo Saka celebrated becoming the fourth-youngest player to reach 300 appearances for Arsenal with the deflected first-half strike that sealed a priceless victory at the Amex Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side were underwhelming for long spells, but their work rate and defensive resilience allowed them to open a seven-point gap over second-placed Manchester City.
Brighton were the better side for large periods, yet Saka’s early deflected effort proved decisive, especially with City being held to a 2–2 draw at home by struggling Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal’s night almost began disastrously when goalkeeper David Raya’s clearance went straight to Carlos Baleba in the opening seconds, but the midfielder’s attempted chip lacked power, allowing Gabriel to retreat and head the ball off the line.
The Gunners’ luck held again in the ninth minute when Saka’s routine shot took a deflection off Baleba and slipped through the legs of Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who should have done better.
In the end, Brighton ran out of steam, allowing Arsenal to close out a scrappy but hugely significant win on a night when Manchester City slipped up in the title race.
