Arsenal boost title challenge as Saka's goal defeats Brighton
Arsenal proved they can succeed without depending solely on set-pieces, thanks to Bukayo Saka's goal that secured a 1-0 victory over Brighton, bringing the Premier League frontrunners nearer to glory on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old Saka marked his milestone as the fourth youngest to hit 300 appearances for Arsenal with a first-half effort that took a deflection, clinching a vital outcome at the Amex Stadium.
Mikel Arteta's team lacked flair at times, yet their determination and solid backline helped them stretch their advantage to seven points ahead of Manchester City in second place.
Manchester City's unexpected 2-2 stalemate with struggling Nottingham Forest at the Etihad on Wednesday has put the championship fate firmly in Arsenal's grasp.
Even with City holding a match to spare and set to face the leaders in April, Arsenal have strung together three straight league triumphs, silencing doubts about their ability to handle the intensity of the title fight.
After squandering big advantages to let City claim the crown in 2023 and 2024, Arsenal are navigating the ups and downs with greater composure this season, making their first English title since 2004 seem attainable.
Arsenal picked up scant praise for style during their display on the south coast, not unusually this campaign.
However, the side pursuing four trophies have triumphed in five and tied two of their past seven league fixtures, while progressing to the Champions League knockout stage, the League Cup final, and the FA Cup fifth round.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya almost handed Brighton an early gift within the opening three minutes via a misplaced pass to Carlos Baleba, whose lob from outside the box was blocked by Gabriel Magalhaes just shy of the goal line.
This close call jolted Arsenal into action, and they went ahead somewhat luckily in the ninth minute.
Saka collected the ball on the right wing, drove to the penalty area's edge, and unleashed a powerful attempt that glanced off Baleba and trickled past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen between his legs.
This marked just Saka's second strike in his previous 19 outings across all tournaments.
Arsenal show resilience
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler had earlier taken issue with Arsenal's time-wasting on set-pieces, and he soon voiced frustration to the fourth official over a delayed throw-in.
Arteta reacted sharply to Hurzeler's complaints in a heated touchline confrontation marked by pointing fingers.
The debate over Arsenal's heavy use of set-pieces for scoring flared after their Sunday triumph against Chelsea, where both goals stemmed from corners.
The Gunners have netted 16 times from corners in the 2025-26 season, matching the Premier League's single-campaign benchmark, with 19 goals overall from dead-ball situations.
Arteta backed his team's set-piece strategy, brushing off accusations of being the "ugliest" title winners by calling their Chelsea result "beautiful".
Detractors of Arsenal's approach would not find much to admire in a messy opening half that saw only two efforts from the straightforward frontrunners.
Operating far from peak form, Arsenal faced intense pressure from Brighton seeking a leveller after the break.
Georginio Rutter came close to tying it up with a sharp half-volley that drew a strong stop from Raya.
Yankuba Minteh surged into the Arsenal box for a shot that looped just off target, while Jack Hinshelwood nodded harmlessly over from close range.
Without French centre-back William Saliba sidelined by an ankle problem, Arsenal still mustered the grit to repel Brighton on what could prove a pivotal night.