Arsenal’s title hopes are all but over after Brighton produced one of the most comfortable football scores of the weekend in the Premier League. If Arsenal loses to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, City, who won easily against Everton earlier in the day, would win their fifth championship in six years. Any other outcome in that game will offer City the chance to clinch the trophy next Sunday against Chelsea in front of their home crowd. It was almost all or nothing for the Gunners against Brighton after City’s triumph at Goodison Park, but Brighton responded forcefully to their humiliation at the hands of Everton earlier this week.
Julio Enciso delivered the first blow in a combative match that simmered the entire time when he headed in Pervis Estupinan’s cross from a few yards out after Jakub Kiwior was injured when Evan Ferguson walked on his boot, which fell off. The hosts became more angry as the Seagulls played with them and Mikel Arteta was cautioned for dissent. Deniz Undav then delivered the game-winning blow by kicking Aaron Ramsdale after former Brighton attacker Leandro Trossard mishandled the ball. Then, Estupinan added a third, poking home the rebound after Ramsdale’s feeble save to set off wild celebrations throughout the south coast as well as in Manchester.
Gabriel Martinelli’s collision with Kaoru Mitoma just five minutes in set the tone for the game, with Brighton looking for a Europa League position and Arsenal trying to hold onto City’s coattails. Moments later, Moises Caicedo got back at the Arsenal forward with a lunging tackle, although for some reason neither offense resulted in a caution. After Caicedo’s tackle, Martinelli had to be substituted, and at full-time, he was spotted wearing a protective boot. A chorus of boos from the visiting fans erupted as Trossard took his position.
While Brighton came close when Ramsdale tipped over Enciso’s attempt following a sweeping move, the Belgian nearly silenced them when he clipped a shot against the bar. Gabriel Jesus had a shot saved by Jason Steele, while Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka both missed their shoots, but the Seagulls had the best opportunity of the opening period when Enciso missed with a shot when Ramsdale was on the ground thanks to some outstanding work by Mitoma. However, Enciso did score just after the break, nodding in Estupinan’s cross as Kiwior fell to the ground.
The goal piled the pressure on Arteta, who had been on edge all afternoon. After one too many outbursts, he entered the book as it became clear that this was the day their hopes of winning the first Premier League championship in 19 years would be dashed. As Brighton turned the tables on their opponents, Danny Welbeck and Alexis MacAllister came dangerously near to increasing Brighton’s advantage. Arsenal was powerless to prevent the outstanding visitors from getting into a rhythm.
Reiss Nelson was called off the bench and came close to scoring with his first touch, but his heroics against Bournemouth at this stadium earlier this season would not be repeated. After Undav corrected Trossard’s error with a deft chip over Ramsdale, De Zerbi charged joyfully toward the corner flag. As Estupinan completed a spectacular victory that sent his team up to sixth and within striking reach of Europe, the Brighton manager then executed a knee slide along his technical area.
“We must apologize today since our performance in the second half was unacceptable. Although it is mathematically still conceivable and this is football, it is difficult to think about it right now,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said. “We need to reflect on the outcome and the second-half performance, figure out why, and respond differently the next time around. When they truly come from behind, we give up a goal, and the team did not respond. Obviously, the team fell apart after conceding the second pointless goal. The group was helpless.”
“I am ecstatic by the performance. We were worthy winners,” Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi said. “After Monday’s setback, the past five days have been really challenging, so I’m incredibly proud. We demonstrated our passion today. We demonstrated our seriousness. My athletes proved they are excellent individuals.”
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