Arsenal overcame a defensive injury crisis to beat Brighton 2-1, returning to the top of the Premier League with goals from Odegaard and a Rutter own goal
ARSENAL overcame a significant defensive injury crisis to secure a 2-1 victory over Brighton and reclaim top spot in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side were forced into a last-minute change when Riccardo Calafiori was injured in the warm-up, compounding existing absences.
The Gunners took the lead in the 14th minute through captain Martin Odegaard’s low finish from the edge of the area.
They doubled their advantage early in the second half when Georginio Rutter headed a Declan Rice corner into his own net.
Brighton pulled a goal back through Diego Gomez in the 64th minute, setting up a tense finish at the Emirates Stadium.
The visitors had failed to register a shot in the first half but grew into the game after Gomez’s close-range finish.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was forced into a brilliant late save to deny Yankuba Minteh from long range.
The win moves Arsenal two points clear of Manchester City, who had briefly gone top after beating Nottingham Forest earlier on Saturday.
Arteta was forced to field midfielder Declan Rice at right-back and handed a start to Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back.
Despite the makeshift defence, Arsenal created numerous chances, with Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka going close early on.
The victory marks Arsenal’s third successive league win as they prepare to host title rivals Aston Villa.
