Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points by riding their luck to survive a fiery match at Brighton.
Bukayo Saka’s deflected early goal gave Mikel Arteta’s team a precious victory, especially after struggling Nottingham Forest held Manchester City to a 2-2 draw at home. Brighton had been the better team for extended stretches of time.
Goalie David Raya fired a clearance directly to Carlos Baleba in the first few seconds of Arsenal’s game, but Gabriel was able to retreat and head off the line due to his feeble chip.
After nine minutes, Saka’s straightforward shot deflected off Baleba and slid through the legs of Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen, who ought to have performed better, giving the Gunners their luck.
Just before the hour when Raya was saved from Georginio Rutter and remained on the ground clutching his shoulder before receiving treatment, Brighton’s supporters, enraged by head coach Fabian Hurzeler on the sidelines, erupted in wrath over what they perceived to be Arsenal’s time-wasting.
Brighton should have tied the score when Arsenal was under intense pressure, but Mats Wieffer headed directly at Raya from close range.
On a night when Manchester City faltered, Brighton eventually ran out of steam, allowing Arsenal to seal another incredibly difficult but crucial victory.
