Martin Odegaard netted his first Premier League goal of the season as Arsenal edged Brighton 2-1 to return to the top of the table.
The Gunners, who had dropped to second after Manchester City’s earlier win over Nottingham Forest, broke the deadlock when Bart Verbruggen’s goal-kick was intercepted. Bukayo Saka quickly capitalized, setting up captain Odegaard to finish from the edge of the box.
Arsenal dominated the first half, registering 15 shots—five on target—while keeping Brighton off the scoresheet, yet their 1-0 lead at the break barely reflected their control.
Seven minutes into the second half, Arsenal extended their lead when Declan Rice’s corner was inadvertently deflected into the net by Georginio Rutter, marking the fourth own goal benefiting Arsenal in their last four games.
Brighton pulled one back when Yasin Ayari’s shot, their first on target, hit the post before Diego Gomez converted the rebound.
The introduction of winger Yankuba Minteh at halftime added pace and threat to Brighton’s attack, forcing Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya to make a stunning save to deny a curling effort destined for the top corner, securing a hard-fought win for the Gunners.
