- Arsenal defeated Brighton 2-1 at Emirates Stadium on December 27, 2025.
- Martin Ødegaard scored his first Premier League goal of the season (14′); Georginio Rutter own goal (52′).
- Diego Gómez pulled one back for Brighton (64′), but David Raya’s stunning save preserved the lead.
- Victory returned Arsenal to the Premier League summit, two points clear of Manchester City.
Dominant Start Sets the Tone
Arsenal responded decisively to Manchester City’s earlier win, reclaiming the Premier League lead with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. The Gunners controlled proceedings from kick-off, showcasing intent amid a packed festive schedule.
Martin Ødegaard broke his season duck in the 14th minute. Bukayo Saka’s clever pass found the captain on the edge of the box; his low left-footed drive nestled into the bottom corner past Bart Verbruggen.
Arsenal dominated the first half—15 shots, zero conceded to Brighton. Viktor Gyökeres and Leandro Trossard threatened, but profligacy kept the margin slim.
Second-Half Drama and Raya’s Heroics
Brighton’s halftime changes injected energy, but Arsenal doubled the lead early in the second period. Declan Rice’s inswinging corner caused chaos, with Georginio Rutter inadvertently heading past his own keeper—Arsenal’s fourth own goal in recent home games.
Brighton responded swiftly. Yasin Ayari’s shot struck the post; Diego Gómez pounced on the rebound to halve the deficit in the 64th minute.
Nerves gripped Emirates Stadium as Brighton pressed. Yankuba Minteh’s curling effort destined for the top corner met David Raya’s fingertips— a sensational full-stretch save on his 150th Premier League appearance.
Late chances fell Arsenal’s way: Gabriel Martinelli fired over from Saka’s cross. The hosts held firm for three points.
Arteta’s Men Show Resilience
Mikel Arteta praised dominance and key moments: “Very happy… we were a big threat.” The win—sixth straight home league victory—highlighted adaptability amid injuries and absences.
Ødegaard’s goal ended a wait disrupted by knee issues. Rice excelled in emergency right-back role; Raya’s save proved pivotal.
Brighton, winless in five, impressed in spells but lacked ruthlessness. Fabian Hürzeler’s young side remains mid-table.
| Key Match Moments |
|---|
| 14′: Martin Ødegaard goal (Saka assist) |
| 52′: Georginio Rutter own goal (Rice corner) |
| 64′: Diego Gómez goal (Ayari shot rebound) |
| Late: David Raya wonder save vs. Minteh |
Arsenal’s 2-1 triumph over Brighton on December 27, 2025, restored them atop the Premier League. Manchester City’s lunchtime win briefly displaced them, but the Gunners answered emphatically.
Early control reflected intent: high press, fluid movement. Ødegaard’s precise finish—his first club goal since May 2025—rewarded pressure.
Second-half own goal from Rutter’s flick exemplified set-piece threat—Rice’s deliveries consistently dangerous.
Gómez’s quick response tested resolve. Brighton’s substitutes added dynamism, exposing transitional vulnerabilities.
Raya’s acrobatic stop—tipping Minteh’s curler over—earned “save of the season” contender status. Clinical defending preserved points.
Arteta’s squad navigated disruptions: Calafiori warm-up withdrawal, positional shifts. Depth shone through.
Brighton’s December struggles continue—winless streak, alternating draws/losses. Hürzeler’s project shows promise but needs finishing edge.
Arsenal’s resilience—half matches decided by one goal—defines title challenge. Christmas leaders for fifth time, history cautions (no prior wins from position).
Upcoming Aston Villa test looms December 30. Momentum builds for 2026 push.
