Arsenal returned to the summit of the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium, in a match defined by captain Martin Ødegaard's crucial opener and a remarkably adaptable performance from Declan Rice.
Rice Shines in Unfamiliar Role Amid Injury Crisis
The Gunners' triumph was all the more impressive given their mounting injury list. With no recognised right-back available due to Jurrien Timber's absence and a late warm-up issue ruling out Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Arteta was forced into a reshuffle. Declan Rice was deployed as an emergency right-back for the first time in his Arsenal career, a move that proved inspired.
Rice's defensive steel was showcased just before half-time when he produced a thunderous, perfectly-timed tackle to halt Brighton's Maxim De Cuyper on a rare counter-attack, summing up his authoritative display. His adaptability has become symbolic of Arsenal's resilient campaign, as they continue to top the table despite a ceaseless succession of injuries that has tested their squad depth to the limit.
Ødegaard Breaks Duck in Dominant First Half
Arsenal's dominance in the opening period was almost total. With Ødegaard orchestrating play and Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard causing constant problems, the hosts peppered the Brighton goal. The shot count at the interval told a stark story: 15 attempts for Arsenal to Brighton's zero.
The breakthrough came from a Brighton error. The Seagulls botched a short goal-kick, allowing Arsenal to seize possession. Saka fed his captain, and Ødegaard drilled a precise, low finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box for his first goal of an injury-disrupted season. The Norwegian was promptly mobbed by teammates, including the versatile Rice.
Nervy Finish After Brighton Rally
Arsenal's cushion was doubled soon after the restart in familiar fashion. A whipped Declan Rice corner forced Brighton's Georginio Rutter to turn the ball into his own net, marking the fourth own-goal Arsenal have benefited from in their last three home games.
Against the run of play, Brighton found a lifeline just after the hour mark. Yasin Ayari's drive hit the post and Diego Gómez was alert to smash in the rebound. The goal transformed the atmosphere, with the visitors growing in belief. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was forced into a superb, full-stretch save to deny Yankuba Minteh, while Mats Wieffer headed over from close range.
This nervy finale was characteristic of Arsenal's season; almost half of their matches in all competitions have been either drawn or decided by a single goal. However, they held firm to secure a deserved three points. The defeat extends Brighton's wretched December record under manager Fabian Hürzeler to 11 consecutive winless matches in the month, dating back to 2023.
The victory, underpinned by leadership from Ødegaard and sheer versatility from Rice, ensures Arsenal head into the festive period at the Premier League's pinnacle, demonstrating the resilience required for a sustained title challenge.
