Arsenal are back on top. A tight 2-1 win over Brighton at the Emirates gave Mikel Arteta’s side the points they needed to leapfrog Manchester City in the Premier League table. It was not smooth. It was not easy. But it was enough, and at this stage of the season, that matters most.

The victory lifts Arsenal to 42 points from 18 games (13 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses). Brighton, stuck on 24 points, could not turn a late push into a comeback. For the Gunners, the job was done by a captain’s calm finish, a set-piece that forced an own goal, and a keeper who stood tall when the pressure rose.

Arsenal vs Brighton result: Why this win matters for the title race

Arsenal started the day one point behind Manchester City. By full-time, they were two points clear. That simple swing tells the story of a season where every small edge counts.

Brighton have shown they can hurt top teams. But they are in a tough run now, with just two points from their last five league games. This was the kind of match Arsenal had to win if they want to stay in the title fight. They did, even with nerves late on.

It fits the report from the night: Arsenal “moved back to the top of the Premier League table with a nervy 2-1 win.” The nerves are real, but the table does not grade style. It rewards points.

Ødegaard’s first of the season sets the tone

The breakthrough came early. On 14 minutes, Martin Ødegaard finished smartly for his first goal of the league season. The move showed control and quick thinking. Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice helped move the ball. Bukayo Saka slipped the final pass. Ødegaard did the rest.

For Arsenal’s captain, this goal was more than a stat. It was a reminder of his timing and touch in the box. When games are tight, a leader’s cool finish can settle a team. This one did.

“Top again, but can Arsenal stay there when the pressure bites?”

Declan Rice’s corner creates the decisive second

Set pieces change games, and Declan Rice delivered a big one. His corner on 52 minutes caused chaos, and Georginio Rutter put the ball into his own net. It gave Arsenal a 2-0 lead and some breathing room they would later need.

Rice was involved often in the key moments. He helped build the opener. Then his dead-ball quality forced the second. These are the small, repeatable edges that win tight matches and build title runs.

From that point, the plan was simple: manage the game, keep shape, and look for a third on the counter. But Brighton did not roll over.

“Rice is our set-piece cheat code. Keep feeding him corners and chaos happens.”

Brighton fight back: Diego Gómez scores as the game turns nervy

On 64 minutes, Diego Gómez pulled one back for Brighton. The goal changed the mood in the stadium and turned the last half hour into a test. Brighton pushed. The home crowd urged Arsenal on. These are the moments that form the spine of a title challenge.

Arsenal needed their keeper. David Raya answered with strong saves, including a key stop to deny Yankuba Minteh. When backs are to the wall, the number one must come up big. Raya did, and he was one of the quiet heroes of the night.

“Raya’s gloves kept us top. That save on Minteh felt like two points.”

Injury setback: Calafiori’s late blow deepens defensive worries

Not all the news was good for Arsenal. Riccardo Calafiori picked up an injury in the warm-up. That made a thin defense even thinner. In a busy winter stretch, this is not ideal.

Arteta will hope the issue is not serious. But it underlines the need for focus and smart rotation. When you are top of the table, every absence is felt. The squad will need to share the load.

What we learned about Arsenal’s balance

There is a pattern here. Arsenal mix control with set-piece threat. They can hurt teams from open play, and they can grind. Ødegaard’s touch, Saka’s timing, and Rice’s delivery give them different ways to score.

The flip side is clear too. When the game swings, they still give up chances. That is where Raya matters, and where game management must keep improving. In tight title races, closing out 2-1s is a skill in itself.

What it means next: Aston Villa test on the horizon

Arsenal’s next match is against Aston Villa. It is another stiff test in a busy run. With Manchester City close behind on 40 points, there is no room to drift. The target now is simple: stack wins and keep pressure on everyone else.

Brighton, for their part, need a reset. With only two points from the last 15 available, their form line is sliding. They showed fight at the Emirates. But they need results to match the effort.

Final word: A win that felt like a message

This was not a showpiece win, but it was a serious one. Ødegaard broke the ice. Rice made the difference from the corner flag. Raya stood firm when it mattered. That trio of moments put Arsenal back on top.

There are bigger tests ahead. But nights like this build belief. If Arsenal keep finding different ways to win, they will have a real say in May. For now, first place is theirs again, and that is exactly where they wanted to be.