Arsenal Secure 2-1 Victory Over Brighton to Maintain Premier League Lead at Christmas
Arsenal defeated Brighton 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, ensuring they remain top of the Premier League table at Christmas. Martin Ødegaard opened the scoring for Arsenal, netting his first goal of the season from a pass by Bukayo Saka. Arsenal's second goal came from an own goal by Georginio Rutter, who inadvertently deflected a Declan Rice corner into his own net. Brighton fought back with Diego Gómez scoring after Yasin Ayari's shot struck the post and was then finished by Gómez.
Due to injury and selection issues, Declan Rice played as an emergency right-back, with Riccardo Calafiori unavailable and Myles Lewis-Skelly deputising at left-back. Arsenal dominated the match, leading 15-0 on shots by half-time and finishing with a total of 24-8. Brighton’s goalkeeper, David Raya, made a crucial save by tipping Yankuba Minteh’s shot over the bar, helping preserve Arsenal's lead.
Brighton, managed by Fabian Hürzeler, have now gone 11 successive December matches without a win, a streak dating back to 2023.
