Arsenal 0-3 Brighton: Arsenal seem to be out of the title fight. The Londoners lost at home to Brighton & Hove Albion and now need a miracle to become champions of England.
Arsenal were annihilated and can forget about the title
With Manchester City’s victory at Everton, Arsenal knew what to do at home against Brighton. It did not help the Londoners in advance that The Seagulls have proven themselves as a giant killer, which is very difficult to beat. The club has the second lowest salary budget in the Premier League, but is still fully involved in European football.
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who according to English media is about to sign a new contract, had to make a save early in the game on a shot from Julio Enciso. After a chance from Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal had to continue without the injured Gabriel Martinelli, for whom Leandro Trossard came on against his old club.
From the sidelines, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta saw how the game was dominated by the opponent and his team only sporadically created chances. Substitute Trossard got one, just before the break Bukayo Saka shot just wide. They were rare feats of arms by the Londoners.
Second half
The Emirates Stadium was startled after the break by Brighton’s opening goal. A long ball from the back ended up with Kaoru Mitoma, who tricked the slow Ben White. Saka was too late to defend back. Mitoma gave in to the emerging Pervis Estupiñán, who put the ball back on Encliso’s head: 0-1.
In the remaining 35 minutes, Arsenal failed to take control of Brighton. In fact, Alexis Mac Allister could and perhaps should have dealt the final blow on behalf of Brighton. A missed penalty just before time summed up the frustrating match for Arsenal. Shortly afterwards, Deniz Undav decided the game. An error by Trossard preceded that. Deep into stoppage time, Brighton made Arsenal’s suffering even worse with Estupiñán’s 0-3.
The difference between Manchester City and Arsenal is now four points, but The Citizens play one extra game, putting the Manchester club in pole position to take the ninth league title in club history. If Manchester City wins one more time, the title will go to Manchester.
