After losing to Brighton, Arsenal's title prospects suffered a severe blow, leaving league leaders Manchester City one victory away from capturing their fifth Premier League crown in six years.
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| Image Source - Google | Image by <br><a href= BBC Sports |
After City's 3-0 victory against Everton earlier on Sunday, which put Mikel Arteta's team four points behind City in the championship race, the Gunners sought to reply.
Leandro Trossard struck the crossbar against his former team, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka came close, and Brighton took the lead with a close-range header from Julio Enciso on a very painful day for Arsenal.
Deniz Undav, a substitute, extended the advantage after kicking Aaron Ramsdale in the 86th minute. In the 96th, Pervis Estupinan scored Brighton's third goal, further adding insult to injury for Arsenal.
Even if Arsenal defeats Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday (17:30), City will still win the Premier League championship on Sunday in front of their own supporters if they defeat Chelsea at home (16:00 BST).
However, if the Gunners lose against Forest, City will already be crowned champions on Saturday.
Brazil striker Gabriel Martinelli was injured by Brighton's Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo in the first half of a match that was plagued with egregious fouls, and the Gunners attempted to recruit Caicedo in January.
Enciso had already been close for Brighton, who are trying to qualify for Europe for the first time, when the Paraguayan attacker rocked the Emirates with his 51st-minute goal.
With 58 points after the victory and four points behind fifth-placed Liverpool with a game remaining, the Seagulls moved up above both Aston Villa and Tottenham.
Arsenal can reach a maximum of 87 points, whilst City currently has 85 points with games remaining against Chelsea (at home), Brighton (on the road), and Brentford (on the road).
Arsenal's championship defence loses steam
After the final whistle, Arsenal's players fell to their knees as they instantly realised that Brighton had completely destroyed their title hopes.
The Arsenal team should be commended for the manner they have challenged Manchester City for the championship, but their quest is almost over following a devastating loss at the conclusion of the season.
Arsenal were unable to respond to the pressure put on them by Pep Guardiola's Treble-chasing squad this time after Manchester City's easy win at Everton earlier on Sunday built up a four-point lead.
Enciso scored the game's opening goal with about 40 minutes remaining, but the Gunners were unable to score for the first time since 4 February.
Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe were added to the game by Arteta in an effort to save a point, but the home team fell to a resounding loss. Arteta was given a yellow card by referee Andy Madley.
- Possession
- 41%
- 59%
- Shots
- 14
- 12
- Shots on Target
- 2
- 6
- Corners
- 5
- 2
- Fouls
- 13
- 17
