Overview
- Martin Ødegaard opened the scoring in the first half with a low finish at the Emirates.
- Arsenal’s second came from a Georginio Rutter own goal off Declan Rice’s corner early in the second half.
- Diego Gomez pulled one back for Brighton, but Arsenal closed out the match to preserve the three points.
- Mikel Arteta restored key starters after midweek rotation, with David Raya back in goal and Piero Hincapié returning to the XI as Gabriel featured on the bench.
- The victory followed Manchester City’s earlier win and lifted Arsenal back to first place as the festive fixtures compress squad availability.