EPL: Odegaard, another own goal lift Arsenal above City

Arsenal overcame a patched-up defence and a nervy finish to beat Brighton 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, reclaiming top spot in the Premier League just hours after Manchester City had moved above them.

Martin Odegaard’s early strike and yet another own goal proved enough for Mikel Arteta’s side, who held firm despite late pressure to maintain momentum in the title race.

Remarkably, Arsenal have now benefited from four own goals in their last three home matches, adding some fortune to their growing belief.

The victory came against the backdrop of mounting injury concerns, with Riccardo Calafiori pulling out in the warm-up and Declan Rice forced into an unfamiliar right-back role as the defensive absentees continued to stack up.

Odegaard sets the tone

Arsenal dominated the opening exchanges and were rewarded inside the first 15 minutes.

After Piero Hincapie won possession high up the pitch, Rice and Bukayo Saka combined to tee up Odegaard, who guided a precise finish into the bottom corner for his first league goal of the season.

The Gunners controlled the first half, registering 15 shots before the break. Saka was a constant threat down the right, Odegaard pulled the strings in midfield, and even Rice surged forward effectively from defence.

Viktor Gyokeres, however, struggled to convert promising chances, summing up a frustrating half in front of goal.

Another Emirates own goal

Brighton responded with changes at the interval, but Arsenal struck again seven minutes after the restart.

Rice’s corner caused chaos in the box and Georginio Rutter inadvertently flicked the ball past his own goalkeeper, continuing Arsenal’s remarkable run of home own goals.

At 2-0, the hosts looked well placed to cruise, but Brighton clawed their way back into the contest.

Diego Gomez reduced the deficit after Yasin Ayari hit the post, injecting tension into the final quarter of the match.

Injuries, nerves and resilience

With Arsenal’s defence visibly stretched, Arteta turned to Gabriel, returning from injury, to steady the back line.

Even so, Brighton pushed hard, forcing David Raya into a superb save and keeping the Emirates on edge until the final whistle.

Arsenal missed late chances to kill the game, but they did enough to secure three points, leapfroging Manchester City to the top.