Gunners Survive Late Scare to Beat Brighton 2-1 | OneFootball

Odegaard Leads Arsenal Past Brighton in Tense 2-1 Premier League Win

Martin Odegaard marked his Premier League season with a defining moment as Arsenal edged Brighton 2-1 to reclaim top spot in the table. On an afternoon that began with authority and ended in anxiety, Arsenal demonstrated both control and resilience, traits that continue to shape their title challenge.

Having briefly slipped to second following Manchester City’s earlier victory over Nottingham Forest, Arsenal responded with intent. The Emirates crowd sensed the importance of the occasion, and the home side delivered a performance that blended dominance with a reminder of the fine margins that define the Premier League.

Arsenal Control Sets Early Tone

Arsenal took charge from the opening exchanges, pinning Brighton deep and circulating possession with purpose. The breakthrough arrived through sharp anticipation rather than sustained pressure alone. Bart Verbruggen’s goal kick was intercepted high up the pitch, Bukayo Saka reacted quickly, and Odegaard swept a composed finish from the edge of the area.

It was a goal that reflected Arsenal’s intensity and awareness, pressing as a collective and punishing hesitation. By half time, the scoreline felt modest. Arsenal had produced 15 shots, five of them on target, while Brighton failed to register a single attempt. The visitors were organised but overrun, struggling to escape Arsenal’s press or slow their tempo.

Own Goal Doubles Advantage

Arsenal resumed with similar authority after the interval. Seven minutes into the second half, they extended their lead from a familiar source. Declan Rice, operating as a makeshift right back, delivered a corner that caused immediate uncertainty in the Brighton box. Georginio Rutter, attempting to clear, glanced the ball into his own net.

It was the fourth own goal to benefit Arsenal in their past four matches, an illustration of sustained pressure forcing errors. At 2-0, the contest appeared settled. Arsenal moved the ball with assurance, Odegaard dictating rhythm, while Brighton looked short of ideas.

Brighton Fightback Raises Stakes

Brighton’s response came from their first meaningful moment. Fabian Hurzeler had introduced Yankuba Minteh at half time, and his direct running injected urgency. When Yasin Ayari struck the post with Brighton’s first shot on target, Diego Gomez reacted sharply to hammer in the rebound, changing the mood instantly.

Suddenly, Arsenal were under pressure. Minteh’s pace stretched the hosts, and Brighton sensed vulnerability. The control of the first hour gave way to tension, with Arsenal forced to defend deeper than planned.

David Raya became decisive in the closing stages. With Brighton pushing for an equaliser, the Arsenal goalkeeper produced a superb save, stretching to tip Minteh’s curling effort away from the top corner. It was a moment of quality that preserved the lead and underlined Arsenal’s defensive resolve.

Arsenal saw out the final minutes with composure, managing possession and territory to prevent further scares. It was not flawless, but it was effective.

This 2-1 victory carried significance beyond the scoreline. Odegaard’s first league goal of the campaign set the platform, while the collective response ensured Arsenal returned to the Premier League summit. Brighton contributed to an engaging contest, yet Arsenal’s authority over most of the match proved decisive.

In a season shaped by pressure and precision, this was a reminder that control must be matched by concentration until the final whistle.