Saka Goal Gives Arsenal Narrow Win Over Brighton
Arsenal moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on the south coast.
The only goal of the match came in the eighth minute through Bukayo Saka. His shot took a slight touch off Carlos Baleba and wrong-footed goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen before going into the net.
The result was important for Arsenal as Manchester City were held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest earlier in the day. The Gunners are now seven points clear, although they have played one game more.
Brighton controlled most of the match and had 60 per cent of the ball. They started strongly and almost scored after two minutes when David Raya passed the ball straight to Baleba. His chip beat the keeper, but Gabriel cleared the ball off the line.
Arsenal defended very well despite missing injured defender William Saliba. Gabriel and Piero Hincapie stood firm at the back and stopped Brighton from finding a way through. Raya also made an important save from Georginio Rutter in the second half.
Brighton pushed forward for most of the game but managed only a few clear chances. The home fans were unhappy as they felt Arsenal wasted time in the closing stages.
Substitute Kai Havertz nearly made it 2-0, but his effort was saved by Verbruggen. Arsenal then had to stay calm in the final minutes before the referee blew the final whistle.
When news came that Manchester City had drawn their match, Arsenal’s travelling supporters celebrated loudly as their team strengthened their position at the top of the table.
