Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has highlighted a pivotal moment from goalkeeper David Raya as the foundation for a vital three points against Brighton & Hove Albion. The Gunners secured a 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, a result that propelled them back to the top of the Premier League table.
Raya's Stunning Intervention Secures Points
While Arsenal established a commanding position with a fine Odegaard strike and a Brighton own goal, the visitors fought back in the second half. Diego Gomez's effort for the Seagulls set up a tense finale, with the away side pushing hard for an equaliser. Their best opportunity fell to Yankuba Minteh, whose shot seemed destined for the top corner until David Raya produced a spectacular one-handed save at full stretch.
"I think that was the only big chance they had apart from the goal, it was a great save," Odegaard acknowledged in his post-match interview with Sky Sports. The Norwegian midfielder's assessment underscored the importance of the Spaniard's late heroics in preserving the narrow lead.
Odegaard Reflects on 'Dominant' Display and Personal Goal
Reflecting on the overall performance, the Arsenal skipper expressed satisfaction with his team's control for large periods. "It was a tough one in the end but I think we played a good game," Odegaard stated. "We were dominant from the start, they got a bit of momentum towards the end but we got an important three points."
He did, however, admit that the concession of Gomez's goal allowed Brighton to regain belief, making the closing stages more difficult than necessary. On a personal note, Odegaard was delighted to find the net, revealing he had been working extensively on his finishing in training.
"I've been waiting for that one," he said. "The last few games have been [close], but you have to be able to win in different ways. We need to keep going, keep building and keep getting the wins."
Title Race Heats Up Ahead of Quick Turnaround
The victory, coupled with Manchester City's win earlier on Saturday, means Arsenal now sit at the summit as the year draws to a close. The schedule offers little respite, with Mikel Arteta's men facing Aston Villa as soon as Tuesday evening. A win in that fixture would ensure they enter 2026 in first place.
Villa, who face Chelsea on Saturday evening, will have marginally less recovery time before hosting the Gunners in what promises to be another significant clash in the Premier League title race.
