LONDON: Arsenal brushed aside a mounting defensive injury crisis to reclaim top spot in the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brighton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Already without several defenders, Mikel Arteta’s problems deepened when Riccardo Calafiori was ruled out in the warm-up.
Despite the disruption, the Gunners struck first through Martin Odegaard, who capitalised on a poor Bart Verbruggen clearance to end his goal drought with a composed finish.
Arsenal remained on the front foot after the break and doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute when Brighton forward Georginio Rutter headed Declan Rice’s corner into his own net, underlining the hosts’ continued strength from set-pieces.
Brighton were handed a lifeline when Diego Gomez pounced after a shot rebounded off the post, but Arsenal held firm to seal a third straight league win.
The result leaves Arsenal two points clear of Manchester City, ahead of a key clash with Aston Villa on Dec 30. – AFP
