Arsenal move seven points clear as Saka seals victory at Brighton

2026-03-04 - 22:33

Brighton’s Olivier Boscagli (right) challenges Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka during the match at the American Express Community Stadium. (AFP pic) BRIGHTON: Leaders Arsenal ground out another three points in their Premier League title quest with Bukayo Saka marking his 300th appearance for the club with the only goal in a crucial 1-0 victory at Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday. On what could prove a pivotal evening in the title race, Arsenal extended their lead at the top to seven points after Manchester City dropped points at home to Nottingham Forest. Saka’s deflected shot deceived Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen in the ninth minute and that proved sufficient for the visitors to overcome another tricky hurdle as they try to win the title for the first time since 2004. Again it was not an eye-catching display by Mikel Arteta’s side as Brighton dominated but they displayed impressive defensive grit to keep the hosts at bay. Arsenal keeper David Raya almost gifted Brighton a goal early on with a poor clearance but was saved by Gabriel’s goal-line clearance and the Spaniard was well-protected by his rearguard as Brighton pressed after the break. The north London club have 67 points from 30 games with City on 60 points from 29 games.