Arsenal returned to the top of the English Premier League table with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, December 27, 2025, responding emphatically after Manchester City had briefly displaced them earlier in the day.
Captain Martin Ødegaard marked his return to goalscoring form with a precise strike in the 14th minute, his first of the 2025–26 season, before an own goal by Brighton’s Georginio Rutter early in the second half doubled the Gunners’ lead. Diego Gómez pulled one back for the visitors in the 64th minute, but a crucial save from goalkeeper David Raya late on ensured Arsenal claimed all three points.
The win saw Arsenal move back above Manchester City, who had secured a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in the lunchtime kick-off courtesy of a late goal from Rayan Cherki. With the festive fixture congestion in full swing, Mikel Arteta’s side showed resilience despite ongoing injury concerns to maintain their position at the summit heading into the New Year.
Ødegaard’s opener came after fine interplay involving Bukayo Saka, who burst past his marker before laying the ball off to the Norwegian midfielder on the edge of the box. The Arsenal skipper drilled a low, powerful left-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, breaking Brighton’s resistance early on. It was Ødegaard’s first goal since the final match of the previous campaign against Southampton.
Arsenal extended their advantage shortly after the restart when Declan Rice’s inswinging corner caused chaos in the Brighton defence, with Rutter inadvertently heading past his own goalkeeper at the near post. The Gunners looked in control, but Brighton found a lifeline when Yasin Ayari’s effort struck the post, allowing Gómez to smash home the rebound from close range.
The Seagulls pushed for an equaliser, with substitute Yankuba Minteh forcing a fingertip save from Raya on his 150th appearance for Arsenal, a moment that proved decisive. At the other end, Gabriel Martinelli missed a clear chance to restore a two-goal cushion, firing over from close range.
The result extends Arsenal’s impressive home form, having won their last five Premier League matches at the Emirates. Brighton, managed by Fabian Hürzeler, remain winless in their last four league meetings with the Gunners and sit mid-table after an inconsistent December.
The 2025–26 Premier League title race continues to intensify, with Arsenal and Manchester City trading top spot repeatedly. Arteta’s side, chasing their first league title since 2004, have negotiated injuries to key players, including Ødegaard earlier in the season. Brighton’s progressive style has earned praise, but defensive lapses have cost them against elite opposition.
Arsenal face Aston Villa at home on December 30 before travelling to Bournemouth on January 3, 2026, as the demanding festive schedule rolls on. For Nigerian fans who follow the Premier League closely, this result adds more fuel to a thrilling title race.
