Brighton held on in a frantic finish to halt a seven-game winless streak with a deserved 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, putting an end to Arsenal’s top-four hopes for the second time this week.
The Gunners were well below par in their 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Monday night, and there was no improvement five days later as Leandro Trossard (28) punished Mikel Arteta’s side for another meek start.
Enock Mwepu converted a magnificent half-volley (67) to put Brighton in control. Gabriel Martinelli had a header on the stroke of half-time wiped out when VAR eventually deemed him to be offside in an exceedingly tight judgment.
After that, Brighton’s travelling fans were bouncing in their Emirates corner – they’d only seen their side score once during their winless streak – but their nerves were on display during a frantic finale after Martin Odegaard’s deflected long-range strike (89) forced Arsenal to up the ante in search of a last-gasp equaliser.
However, deep into injury time, Robert Sanchez made a fine save from Eddie Nketiah to ensure there was no comeback, as Brighton moved up to 11th following another dismal game for Arsenal fans. They’ve squandered two chances to move into fourth place this week, giving them three losses in a row in the league.
Tottenham Hotspur, who are level on points but sit in the Champions League qualifying spots on goal difference, will want to take advantage of the situation at Aston Villa.
The derby between those two teams, which has been rescheduled for May 12, might be crucial in the race for a spot in Europe’s top club competition next season – but with Arsenal open at the back and fragmented in attack, they may already be out of contention by then.
Source: Sky Sports
