Martin Odegaard scored his first Premier League goal of the season as Arsenal overcame a tense finish to defeat Brighton and Hove Albion, returning to the top of the table. The Gunners had briefly slipped to second place after Manchester City’s earlier victory over Nottingham Forest, but regained pole position after taking the lead through their captain. Arsenal capitalised on a poor goal-kick from Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, with Bukayo Saka intercepting the ball and setting up Odegaard, who calmly fired home from the edge of the area. Arsenal went into the break with a slender one-goal advantage that did not reflect their dominance in the first half. Mikel Arteta’s side registered 15 shots, five of them on target, while restricting Brighton to no attempts. READ ALSO: Keane, Neville Slam Man United Defenders After Villa Park Defeat The hosts doubled their lead seven minutes after the restart when Declan Rice’s corner, delivered from his unfamiliar role at right-back, was inadvertently flicked into the net by Georginio Rutter. It marked the fourth own goal to benefit Arsenal in their last four matches. A comfortable Arsenal victory appeared likely, but Brighton were handed a lifeline with their first shot on target. Yasin Ayari’s effort struck the post before Diego Gomez reacted quickest to slam home the rebound, setting up a nervy finale. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler had introduced winger Yankuba Minteh at half-time, and his pace troubled the Arsenal defence. Goalkeeper David Raya was forced into a superb save late on, tipping Minteh’s curling effort away from the top corner to preserve the win. The result keeps Arsenal at the summit of the Premier League standings, while Brighton were left to rue missed opportunities after a spirited second-half fightback.
Odegaard nets first league goal as Arsenal edge Brighton to reclaim top spot
