Goals:
- Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal) – 14′
- Georginio Rutter (Brighton, own goal) – 52′
- Diego Gómez (Brighton) – 64′
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League after a hard-fought 2‑1 win against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium on 27 December 2025. Martin Ødegaard opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a composed finish following a slick attacking move, marking his first goal of the season. Shortly after the restart, in the 52nd minute, a corner from Declan Rice — who put in a stellar shift as a makeshift right-back due to injuries — forced a Georginio Rutter own goal, doubling the lead for the home side.
Brighton responded midway through the second half with a strike from Diego Gómez in the 64th minute, setting up a tense finale. Despite Brighton’s late pressure, Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya made a spectacular save to maintain the advantage. Arsenal endured the match under the strain of several defensive absences. Riccardo Calafiori suffered a late withdrawal in the warm-up, forcing the introduction of 18-year-old Lewis Skelly, while Jurriën Timber was also sidelined, compelling Mikel Arteta to adjust his defensive setup.
Arteta reflected on the performance: “Very happy with the performance. Individually and collectively, so dominant. We were a big threat, but the margin should have been bigger. It should never be 2-1, but that’s the Premier League.” Ødegaard added: “It was a tough one in the end but we played a good game … we got an important three points.”
Statistically, Arsenal dominated the first half, registering 15 shots to Brighton’s zero, but only converted one before the own goal doubled their advantage. Brighton’s brief resurgence highlighted Arsenal’s defensive vulnerability, yet the Gunners’ resilience and key interventions ensured victory. The win lifts Arsenal two points clear at the summit, maintaining their lead over Manchester City.
Key players such as Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard combined effectively in attack, exploiting Brighton’s defensive lapses and creating the decisive moments that clinched the points. Arsenal’s tactical flexibility, particularly Rice’s shift to right-back, proved decisive in navigating a match plagued by last-minute squad changes.
