Arsenal stretched their advantage at the top of the Premier League table to five points with a commanding 3-1 victory over Brighton at Emirates Stadium — the kind of statement win that has title written all over it.
Martin Ødegaard pulled the strings with two assists, while Bukayo Saka continued his blistering form with his 11th goal of the season. The Norwegian’s vision was on full display, threading a perfect through ball to Saka in the 23rd minute before setting up Gabriel Jesus for the insurance goal that killed off any Brighton comeback hopes.
Saka’s Red-Hot Run Continues
Four straight games, six goals. Those are the numbers that tell the story of Saka’s torrid pace.
The opener showcased everything that makes the 22-year-old winger so dangerous — a clever one-two with Ødegaard split Brighton’s backline, and suddenly he was through on goal with only Jason Steele to beat. The finish was clinical, low and hard into the corner.
“Bukayo is showing the consistency of a world-class player,” Mikel Arteta said afterward. “His movement in the final third has reached another level this season.”
Brighton pulled one back through Kaoru Mitoma in the 67th minute after Ben White’s rare mistake in possession. The Japanese winger capitalized on the counter, with Pascal Groß finding him unmarked at the back post for a tap-in that briefly gave the Seagulls hope.
Jesus Finally Finds His Range
Six games without a goal. That drought was starting to weigh on Gabriel Jesus, and you could see the relief flood his face when Ødegaard’s cross found him at the near post in the 78th minute. Eight yards out, no mistake — exactly what Arsenal needed from their £45 million striker.
It was his first goal since early November against Luton, and the kind of finish that could kickstart a run. The Brazilian has shown flashes this season but needs to find the consistency that made him such a coveted signing from Manchester City.
Rice Runs the Show
While the forwards grabbed the headlines, Declan Rice controlled the tempo from deep. Eight duels won out of 11, 89% pass completion — numbers that don’t capture how effortless he made it look against Brighton’s press.
The England international’s £105 million price tag raised eyebrows, but performances like this justify every penny. He’s given Arsenal the defensive foundation that allows their creative players to flourish.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães were equally impressive at the back, limiting Roberto De Zerbi’s free-flowing attack to just three shots on target. That’s no small feat against a side that had scored 28 goals in their previous 16 league matches.
Title Picture Becomes Clearer
Five points clear of Liverpool. Seven ahead of Manchester City, albeit with Pep Guardiola’s champions holding a game in hand.
The defending champions have won just three of their last eight league matches — vulnerability that Arsenal are perfectly positioned to exploit. This isn’t the stumbling finish that derailed their title charge last season. This feels different.
Brighton drop to 10th with 24 points, their European dreams taking a hit with back-to-back defeats. They’d won four of five before running into Arsenal’s buzzsaw.
“We knew this would be difficult, but the performance was there,” De Zerbi said. “They have the experience from last season and they’re using it well.”
Next up: Fulham away on New Year’s Day. Not the easiest start to 2024, but exactly the kind of test that will define whether this Arsenal side can go the distance.
