Arsenal win ugly to take advantage as Manchester City drop points to Forest

It was tense. On the touchline Hürzeler and Arteta exchanged words and even when it was announced there would be just three minutes of added time, in a half which had been stop-start, that led to more boos from the Brighton supporters.

Remarkably Arsenal were in front with an XG – expected goals – of just 0.01 (for that Saka shot). But they had that precious lead and marshalling by Gabriel, taking on even more responsibility in the absence of the injured William Saliba, they had been defensively sound enough. Even if Brighton had undeniably been the better team.

In midfield it was a struggle for Arsenal. Declan Rice had recovered, having had to come off against Chelsea, but both he and his central partner, in particular, Martin Zubimendi look desperately in need of a rest – which hopefully Saturday’s FA Cup tie against League One Mansfield Town will afford them. Surely Arteta has to trust Christian Norgaard more?

Brighton’s dominance continued but they were struggling to create opportunities with passes and crosses over-hit even though it felt like they were in control. After Saka blazed over, after doing well to work some space, Arteta acted with a double change: on came Kai Havertz and, maybe, to rile the home support even more, Leandro Trossard.

Before that Raya was finally extended, diving low to repel Rutter’s half-volley after which he went down injured claiming he had hurt his shoulder. It was the second injury he had “suffered” leading to chants of “cheat, cheat, cheat”.

Brighton went close. Substitute Yankuba Minteh worked his way to the byline with his low cross deflected behind. It could have gone anywhere. Then Mats Wieffer headed weakly into Raya’s arms.

Arsenal needed to stabilise and did through pressure of their own, earning corners and forcing Brighton back and forcing an error from Baleba. Substitute Kai Havertz had a run at goal but the midfielder recovered and blocked.

For Brighton Jack Hinshelwood’s final involvement was to badly miscue a header, high over the crossbar, when he was well-placed to equalise. He gave way to Danny Welbeck.

At the other end and maybe Trossard should have settled it only to slice badly wide, leaving Arteta with his face in his hands as the tension unsurprisingly grew, the fatigue kicked in and more substitutions were made.

Havertz could have ended Brighton’s resistance but Verbruggen saved and the seven minutes of added time were met with cheers from Brighton.

“Arsenal, Arsenal,” implored their fans, fully aware of the score in Manchester and as Brighton laid a late desperate siege. The boos were there again at the final whistle. As were Arsenal’s celebrations, even more when the City score came through.