Alerted: Mikel Arteta
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Arsenal beat Brighton 1-0 at the Amex Stadium in an ugly encounter, with the visitors offering next to nothing in attack after Bukayo Saka's early deflected goal.
Gabriel and Piero Hincapie led the huge defensive effort as Arsenal held on in the face of Brighton pressure, securing a result that held even more significance when news from Manchester arrived.
Arsenal now hold a seven point lead over Pep Guardiola's side. Although they have played a game more, as it stands Arsenal know they can still go to the Etihad Stadium next month, lose, and remain in control of their own destiny.
There was a loud roar from the away end as that news spread, informing even Arteta as he went over to them in celebration.
Asked when he first heard about City's result, Arteta said: "When I was walking to our supporters, because I saw a reaction and I said, what happened?
"But it was something a little bit strange. So yeah, I didn't know."
Arsenal fans were in full voice at the Amex Stadium
Arsenal registered an xG of just 0.01 in the first-half, with their only shot the deflected strike from Saka for the opener.
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The Gunners struggled to get up the pitch until Kai Havertz offered some composure after coming on, but it was still a nerve-jangling night for Arsenal and one they did well to come through.
"It's a huge win, we knew how tough it was going to be," Arteta said.
"We're coming back from very difficult games, with a lot of intensity and players really going through the line in every game with difficulties, not able to train.
"To come here and get the result that we got is remarkable."