ARSENAL 2-1 BRIGHTON: Mikel Arteta's men ensured they will head into the final Premier League match of 2025 at the top of the table after putting Brighton to the sword
Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice
Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice were influential in Arsenal's crucial win over Brighton
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Arsenal gave their fans a late Christmas present by reclaiming top spot in the Premier League from Manchester City courtesy of a 2-1 win over Brighton at The Emirates.
It was a goal from the captain, Martin Odegaard, that set Arsenal on their way to victory, with the Norwegian midfielder dispatching a sweetly struck effort from the edge of the box beyond the sprawling Bart Verbruggen at his near post.
Arsenal peppered the visiting goal for the remainder of the half but it wasn't until the 52nd minute that Georginio Rutter inadvertently doubled their lead by heading a teasing Declan Rice corner past his own keeper.
Diego Gomez found the back of the net just after the hour mark to set up a blockbuster final 30 minutes at The Emirates but Arsenal saw the game out to clinch a priceless three points to kickstart the frenetic festive period. Here are Mirror Football's five talking points...
1. Odegaard strikes back
It's a been a difficult campaign for Odegaard, who has been dogged by injuries. The acquisition of Eberechi Eze, too, had led some to speculate whether Arteta's conductor-in-chief would even be guaranteed a starting place this term.
But Odegaard stepped up big style to clinch a huge Christmas win for Arsenal. His first half strike - his first goal of the season - was crucial to helping Mikel Arteta's men negotiate a tricky fixture against Brighton, who have inflicted plenty of misery on the Gunners in the past.
2. No slip-ups for Gunners
Arsenal and Manchester City look to set to slug it out in another title race and the latter leapfrogged Arteta's men with their win over Nottingham Forest earlier in the day.
But Arsenal held their nerve in the final half an hour after Brighton threatened to fight back for a share of the spoils. Rutter's own goal means FOUR of Arsenal's last six goals have been scored by opposition players. But they all count!
3. Injuries take centre stage
Gabriel was back in the Arsenal squad for the Brighton game
Gabriel was back in the Arsenal squad for the Brighton game
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It's no secret that Arsenal have been rocked by injury issues this term, leaving Arteta and Co without several key men. And they were forced to do without both of their first-choice full-backs on Saturday, with Jurrien Timber left out of the squad as a precaution and Riccardo Calafiori picking up an issue in the warm-up.
While it remains to be seen if they will be back when Arsenal host Aston Villa in a mouthwatering top of the table clash on Tuesday night, there was some good news with Gabriel back in the fold.
There's an argument to be had that the Brazil defender is Arsenal's most important player, so to have him back ahead of 2026 is a a welcome boost.
4. Rice steps up
Declan Rice filled in at right-back for Arsenal vs Brighton
Declan Rice filled in at right-back for Arsenal vs Brighton
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Is there anything he can't do? Rice has grown into one of the game's most dynamic and complete midfielders at Arsenal but was asked to step in at right-back with Jurrien Timber out of Saturday's squad.
To the surprise of nobody, Arsenal's Mr Consistent delivered in an unfamiliar position to keep Brighton at bay. And the shackles of a defensive role failed to prevent him from adding another assist to his tally for the season, his wicked near post corner early in the second half being diverted into the net by the unfortunate Rutter.
Big money signings don't always work out in the Premier League. But Rice has been worth every penny and continues to excel - even in unfamiliar surroundings.
5. Gyokeres struggles again
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres failed to impress against his old club
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After lighting the the Championship and the Portuguese league since being discarded by Brighton, some have wondered whether the Sweden striker is the one that got away for the Seagulls, so often lauded for their fine recruitment work.
However, this was another afternoon for the former Sporting Lisbon striker to forget.
He never looked like adding to the five Premier League goals he has to his name to date and scrutiny on the striker's contributions continue to grow. It's shaping up to be a big 2026 for Gyokeres, who really needs to start firing.
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