Brighton v Arsenal live: Rice starts but Saliba misses out as Premier League leaders face latest title challenge

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The Independent

·4 marzo 2026

Brighton v Arsenal live: Rice starts but Saliba misses out as Premier League leaders face latest title challenge

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A goal is a goal, doesn’t matter how it goes in - Arteta

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Arsenal face the latest test of their Premier League title challenge as they head to Brighton looking to ramp up the pressure on rivals Manchester City, who kick off at the same time. The Gunners take a five-point lead into tonight’s trip to the south coast, while City, who also have a game in hand, will be at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest.

The build-up to this evening’s match has come amid a war of words over Arsenal’s set-piece tactics, and a debate over their wider use in the Premier League as a whole. The Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has accused Arsenal of time-wasting, and criticised the time it takes for them to take a corner.

In response, Mikel Arteta said he wants his team to score even more goals from set-pieces, following their two goals form corners in the 2-1 win over Chelsea. The Arsenal manager said he would have to check on Declan Rice’s fitness but confirmed he was feeling “much better” following a knock, resulting in him starting at the Amex Stadium.

Arsenal arrive at the Amex

(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Will Castle4 March 2026 18:36

Danny Welbeck dropped as Brighton make three changes

Brighton switch up the team that eked out a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest on the weekend.

Danny Welbeck scored the decisive goal in that clash but will not start against his former club, with Georginio Rutter leading the line.

Veteran James Milner also moves to the bench in place of Carlos Baleba, while there is no signing of skipper Lewis Dunk in the squad, with Olivier Boscagli coming in at centre-back.

Will Castle4 March 2026 18:28

Viktor Gyokeres returns to Brighton looking to continue away form

Viktor Gyokeres was on the books at Brighton for three years before never made a Premier League appearance for the Seagulls - now he returns as Arsneal’s No 9 and after finding some form on the road. According to Opta, the striker has been involved in six goals in his last seven away games for Arsenal in all competitions, having scored twice in the win at Tottenham.

Viktor Gyokeres scored twice against Tottenham (John Walton/PA). (PA Wire)

Jamie Braidwood4 March 2026 18:05

Mikel Arteta issues defiant response to criticism of Arsenal’s reliance on corners

Mikel Arteta has defiantly addressed the growing debate around set-pieces in modern football, asserting his desire for Arsenal to score even more goals from dead-ball situations, despite leading the Premier League in this metric.

The Gunners have netted 16 times from corners this season, including both goals in Sunday’s victory over Chelsea, prompting pundit Chris Sutton to label them potentially the "ugliest" title winners if they go on to win the Premier League.

This comes as Liverpool boss Arne Slot recently voiced his frustration, claiming some Premier League matches are no longer enjoyable to watch due to the prevalence of set-piece tactics.

However, the Spaniard remained unapologetic, stating: "I’m upset that we don’t score more, and that we concede as well.”