Odegaard Scores As Arsenal Beat Brighton 2-1 To Reclaim Top Spot

Martin Odegaard scored his first Premier League goal of the season as Arsenal held on for a tense 2-1 victory over Brighton, reclaiming the top spot in the table.

The Gunners, who had slipped to second after Manchester City’s win over Nottingham Forest earlier on Saturday, opened the scoring when Bart Verbruggen’s goal-kick was intercepted, allowing Bukayo Saka to set up captain Odegaard, who calmly finished from the edge of the box.

Despite dominating the first half—registering 15 shots, five on target, and keeping Brighton off the scoresheet—Arsenal’s one-goal lead at halftime barely reflected their superiority.

Seven minutes into the second half, Arsenal doubled their advantage when makeshift right-back Declan Rice delivered a corner that Georginio Rutter inadvertently flicked into his own net, marking the fourth own goal to go Arsenal’s way in their last four matches.

Brighton, however, fought back. Yasin Ayari’s effort, Brighton’s first on target, struck the post before Diego Gomez pounced on the rebound to pull one back.

The introduction of winger Yankuba Minteh at halftime injected pace and threat into Brighton’s attack, forcing Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya into a brilliant save to keep out Minteh’s curling effort that was destined for the top corner, ensuring Arsenal secured all three points.