Arsenal’s title charge put to sword by De Zerbi masterclass,Brighton came to Emirates Stadium and dominated the Gunners, winning 3-0 thanks to goals from Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav, and Pervis Estupinan. The tactical innovations that Roberto De Zerbi has brought to the English top flight were on full display, as Brighton’s pressing threw Arsenal off, and their buildup forced the Gunners into vulnerable positions.
It was a fully deserved victory for Brighton, who smothered Arsenal in and out of possession. The Gunners had a few chances, most notably as Leandro Trossard hit the crossbar, but otherwise they offered little up front.
The physicality from Brighton was also something Arsenal struggled to deal with, especially as Gabriel Martinelli went off inside the opening 20 minutes, injured by a heavy Moises Caicedo challenge. Referee Andy Madley appeared unprepared for the intensity of the game, and his hesitancy to show early cautions worked in Brighton’s favour.
With Man City brushing Everton aside earlier in the day, Arsenal now sit four points back of the leaders having played a game more, and now City can mathematically secure the title with a win over Chelsea on May 21.
Arsenal vs Brighton final score
| 1H | 2H | Score | |
| Arsenal | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brighton | 0 | 3 | 3 |
Starting lineups:
Arsenal (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Ramsdale (GK) — 4. White, 15. Kiwior, 6. Gabriel, 3. Tierney — 8. Odegaard (Smith Rowe, 77′), 20. Jorginho (Partey, 60′), 34. Xhaka (Nelson, 60′) — 7. Saka, 9. Jesus (Nketiah, 77′), 11. Martinelli (Trossard, 20′).
Brighton (4-2-3-1, right to left): 23. Steele (GK) — 13. Gross, 5. Dunk, 6. Colwill, 30. Estupinan — 25. Caicedo, 27. Gilmour (Welbeck, 60′) — 20. Enciso (Undav, 82′), 10. Mac Allister, 23. Mitoma — 28. Ferguson (Buonanotte, 77′).
