Arsenal overcame further obstacles to reclaim top spot in the Premier League after beating Brighton on Saturday. Prior to kick-off at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners had dropped to second in the table after Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest in the lunchtime fixture. Then followed a couple of defensive setbacks for Arsenal.
Jurrien Timber did not make the matchday squad after picking up a knock late on against Crystal Palace earlier in the week and then Riccardo Calafiori was forced to withdraw from the starting lineup. Despite this, Martin Odegaard’s first half strike and an own goal from Georginio Rutter ultimately proved to be the difference as Arsenal survived a late scare when Diego Gomez pulled one back for Brighton.
The Seagulls have been fairly inconsistent so far this season, winning just one of their last five games, though they came close on a couple of occasions to forcing an equaliser before falling to defeat . Follow Arsenal vs Brighton LIVE back with Standard Sport's dedicated match blog, featuring expert analysis from Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal vs Brighton highlights
- GOAL! Gomez pulls one back for Brighton
- GOAL! Rutter heads into own net to double Arsenal lead
- GOAL! Odegaard fires Arsenal ahead
FULL-TIME
16:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal 2-1 Brighton
Relief all around the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal hold on for all three points and reclaim top spot in the Premier League table.
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
16:52 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+3 min: Arsenal have the chance to seal it but Dunk makes a superb tackle to deny Saka.
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
16:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90 min: Five minutes of added time as Jesus is nudged in the back but VAR says no penalty, just a corner.
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
16:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne88 min: It’s already take the ball into the corner for Arsenal as they attempt to wind down the clock and hold on to their narrow lead.
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
16:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne87 min: Van Hecke with a last ditch tackle on Gabriel Jesus to prevent a shot on target.
Double Brighton change follows as Watson and Kostoulas are thrown on.
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
16:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne85 min: Golden chance for Arsenal to wrap up the points as Martinelli blazes over from close range after being picked out by Saka. Brazilian simply has to score.
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
16:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne83 min: Martinelli straight into the action as he cuts the ball back to an area where there should be an Arsenal team-mate but Brighton clear momentarily before Jesus sees a shot blocked.
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
16:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne82 min: Into the final ten minutes at the Emirates and there’s a feeling that Brighton are the more likely to get the next goal.
Trossard is replaced by Martinelli to freshen up the Arsenal attack.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
16:37 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHard to be confident that Arsenal are going to see this out. All so edgy at the back. Raya has gone down now, Arteta calls Merino and Trossard over for a chat.
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
16:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne77 min: From the resulting corner, Wieffer heads over the bar unmarked. In his defence, the effort did take a deflection off Hincapie but Arsenal get the goal kick.
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
16:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne76 min: A real sense of nervousness inside the Emirates as Arsenal are being forced to defend deep and Raya pulls out a spectacular save to deny Minteh.
That looked in! What a save!
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
16:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne74 min: Here comes Danny Welbeck. The former Arsenal man replaces Hinshelwood, will he haunt his old club once again?
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
16:32 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne73 min: Dunk escapes a handball claim after making a fine clearance to stop the ball finding Saka at the back post. Good play from Jesus to create that opening as he hunted down a loose ball.
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
16:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne71 min: It’s a double change for Arsenal as Gyokeres and Lewis-Skelly make way for Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel.
Lewis-Skelly was shown a yellow card before being replaced.
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
16:27 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne68 min: Gabriel is getting ready to come on for Arsenal.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
16:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal don't do comfortable. Gomez gets Brighton back in it and now they have two shots blocked on the edge of the box.
Arsenal look rattled all of a sudden.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Brighton | Diego Gomez ‘65
16:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne65 min: GOAL!
Out of nothing Brighton pull one back as Diego Gomez reacts quickest to the ball hitting the post to smash home the rebound.
Game on!
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
16:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne62 min: Saka is desperate for a goal today, that’s another shot that is deflected behind for a corner. Rice on the set-piece once again, can Brighton defend this one better than the last?
The answer is yes, far from convincing but it gets the job done.
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
16:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne60 min: Gyokeres powers his way through and hits an effort straight at Verbruggen.
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
16:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne56 min: Coppola booked for a foul on Trossard. This results in another Arsenal free-kick which is swung in by Rice and causes havoc in the Brighton box before they clear.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
16:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne“Own goal again ole ole" is the chant from the Arsenal fans. Reliable source of goals.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Brighton | Own goal ‘52
16:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne52 min: Nice build up by Arsenal, Trossard sets the ball back for Odegaard whose effort is deflected up an over the bar for a corner which Rice trots over to take...
Another great delivery and Rutter turns the ball into his own net.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
16:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne51 min: Much better from Brighton at one end but a silly foul on Saka by Dunk means the captain is now on a yellow card.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
16:09 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBrighton already offering more in attack since the break. Arsenal have had far too many nervy matches recently when they've let teams back into matches. Need a second goal here.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
16:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne48 min: Dunk is a relieved man as his attempted pass back to the goalkeeper is cut out by Saka but the Arsenal winger can’t keep the ball in play.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
16:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne46 min: Confirmation of the Brighton double change.
ON: Minteh, Wieffer
OFF: De Cuyper, Gruda
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
16:04 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway in north London.
Fabian Hurzeler has turned to his bench.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
16:02 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBrighton have Wieffer and Minteh warming up during the break. Looks like a double change is imminent.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
15:58 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal were by far the better team in the first half, but it’s only 1-0 which means Brighton are very much still in this.
Arsenal injury crisis
15:53 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal have been handed a fresh injury blow after Riccardo Calafiori was injured in the warm-up before their Premier League clash with Brighton.
Calafiori was initially named in the team but the Italian had to be replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly after feeling something during the warm-up.
His injury came after Jurrien Timber was ruled out of the Brighton and deepens the defensive injury crisis facing Arsenal.
HALF-TIME
15:48 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal 1-0 Brighton
Advantage Arsenal at the break thanks to Martin Odegaard's goal.
As it stands, Gunners are going back to the top of the Premier League table.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
15:47 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMuch better from Gyokeres, making the run down the line and poking the ball away from Verbruggen, who absolutely cleans him out.
Arsenal fans screaming for a red card - just a yellow.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
15:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45 min: One minute of added time signalled as Verbruggen has a rush of blood by cleaning out Gyokeres and taking a yellow card.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
15:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBrilliant from Saka to keep that attack alive and then flash the ball across the face of goal. Surely that's where Gyokeres needs to be?
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
15:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne44 min: Gyokeres using his strength well to create an opening for Saka but the Arsenal winger’s effort is deflected behind for a corner which does not cause too many issues for Brighton as Ayari clears.
Goalmouth scramble follows but neither Saka, Gyokeres or Trossard can force the ball home.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
15:42 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHuge roar as Rice flies into that challenge. Once again he's been brilliant, even playing out of position.
With Odegaard and Saka both really sharp too, that right wing looks very threatening.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
15:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne41 min: Crunching tackle from Rice to get the Arsenal fans, and Arteta, on their feet. Moments before Gyokeres had a penalty appeal waved away.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
15:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne38 min: Trossard does well to carry Arsenal from back to front, he picks out Rice who can’t wrap his foot around the ball and his effort is dealt with by Dunk.
Moments later, Saliba gets in front of Gyokeres and the striker can’t react when the ball drops to him at the back post.
Merino then tries to lob Verbruggen from distance, but gets his audacious attempt all wrong.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
15:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne36 min: Not quite sure what that was from Rice. He was in a good position down the right and his delivery should be a lot better given his quality.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
15:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne34 min: Ayari slips over and catches Merino. It’s a painful one for the Arsenal midfielder but totally accidental and the referee sees it that way.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
15:33 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTrossard seemingly decided to go back and beat Coppola three times there for no other reason than that fact he was in front of the booing Brighton fans. Have to respect it.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
15:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne32 min: Another chance for Arsenal and Saka, the winger cuts in on this left foot and his shot takes a deflection off Dunk which makes the save easier for Verbruggen.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
15:32 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne31 min: Saka manages to take Lewis-Skelly’s pass under control after a few attempts, he drives to the line and attempts to pick out Gyokeres but Brighton cut out the cross.
Arsenal keep the pressure up with Trossard who treats supporters to some tricks and flicks but the Seagulls manage to win a free-kick at the end of it.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
15:28 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBig cheers in the North Bank as Gabriel trots along the touchline to warm up, and those spread around the stadium.
Such a boost for Arsenal to have him back in the squad.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
15:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne26 min: Lewis-Skelly commits a foul but the referee waves play on and Brighton fail to make the most of the advantage. Think they would have preferred a free-kick.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
15:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne23 min: Arsenal have the chance to counter but Trossard’s clipped cross into the box is dealt with by Brighton. Visitors not able to Rutter in the game as yet.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
15:21 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBit of a lull since that goal. Brighton seeing plenty of the ball without doing much with it. Arsenal not finding it particularly easy to play through the thirds.
Odegaard's strike, though, means there is a lot more patience in the stadium, removing any nervous edge.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
15:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne18 min: A really good finish from Martin Odegaard to open his account for the season. Brighton will not be happy as they conceded possession far too cheaply and the Arsenal captain made them pay.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Brighton | Martin Odegaard ‘14
15:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne14 min: ARSENAL LEAD!
Martin Odegaard puts Arsenal ahead with a crisp finish!
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
15:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne13 min: Saka does well to create space for a shot but shoots over.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
15:13 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneRice and Zubimendi are rotating a fair bit - Rice just drifted over almost to the left wing. He's also been getting forward to support Saka, a lot of being asked of Rice physically today.
Probably the player in the squad most equipped for that challenge.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
15:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne11 min: Decent passage of play from Brighton but it comes to an end as Gomez fires the ball out of play when looking for a team-mate down the left-hand side.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
15:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne8 min: Not the best of set-piece deliveries you’re likely to see as Rice gets his head to the ball first and Arsenal survive.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
15:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne7 min: Lewis-Skelly is forced to head the ball behind and Brighton have a corner. Chance for the visitors to test this new-look Arsenal defence.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
15:06 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe way Saka just cruised past De Cuyper there doesn't bode well for the Brighton full-back. Electric start from Saka, and Trossard looks bright on the other flank too. Good first few minutes from Arsenal.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
15:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne4 min: Strong start this from Arsenal as Saka skips past De Cuyper but can’t squeeze an effort past Verbruggen at his near post.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
15:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne2 min: Big chance early on for Arsenal as Dunk misjudges the flight of the ball and gets outmuscled by Gyokeres who produces a tame finish when presented with a golden opportunity.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
15:01 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAfter all that, it's Rice at right-back for Arsenal. Will be interesting to see how much he inverts into midfield.
KICK-OFF!
15:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are underway in north London.
Can Arsenal respond to Man City’s win earlier in the day?
Arsenal youngsters who could save Gunners millions in 2026
14:58 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Hale End academy continues to be a reliable production line for Arsenal, writes Matt Verri.
Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have now established themselves at first-team level, following in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka.
With this the strongest squad Arsenal have had in many, many years, breaking into Mikel Arteta's plans has rarely been this difficult.
However, Arsenal once again have an extremely talented crop pushing to get their chance.
Here, Standard Sport takes a look at three Arsenal youngsters to keep an eye on next year...
HERE WE GO!
14:56 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams are out at the Emirates Stadium.
This afternoon's Premier League action continues shortly!
Saliba eyes success on all four fronts
14:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWilliam Saliba believes Arsenal are capable of winning a historic quadruple this season.
The Gunners knocked Crystal Palace out of the Carabao Cup after a penalty shootout on Tuesday evening to ensure they would head into 2026 still competing on four fronts.
Their chances of clinching a first Premier League title since 2004 were greatly boosted, too, after they managed to clinch top spot on Christmas Day - though Man City are looming large in the rear-view mirror.
Saliba has been a mainstay this season, and is confident that Arsenal are capable of delivering a flight of titles to the Emirates this season.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
14:49 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal started the season with incredible depth in defence, but once again they find themselves in a position where injuries have left them short.
Gabriel's return is a boost, but Calafiori the latest to pick up an issue. White, Mosquera and Timber already out.
Late change
14:46 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnother setback for Arsenal in defence.
Myles Lewis-Skelly replaces Riccardo Calafiori in the line-up after the Italian picked up an issue in the warm-up 🚨 https://t.co/ylXDdlyNWw
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 27, 2025
Kick-off approaching in north London
14:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne15 minutes to go until kick-off at the Emirates Stadium.
Around the grounds
14:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAction from this weekend's round of fixtures in the Premier League began last night with a win for Manchester United against Newcastle.
There has been one result from today's games with four other 3pm GMT kick-offs and an evening game that very much concerns Arsenal.
Manchester United 1-0 Newcastle
Nottingham Forest 1-2 Man City
Brentford vs Bournemouth
Burnley vs Everton
Liverpool vs Wolves
West Ham vs Fulham
Chelsea 5.30pm Aston Villa
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
14:37 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneCalafiori has left the warm-up and gone straight down the tunnel. Lewis-Skelly the most obvious replacement to come into the starting lineup if required.
Timber absence explained
14:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their Premier League clash against Brighton with Jurrien Timber ruled out.
Timber started Arsenal’s Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Crystal Palace on Tuesday night, successfully converting his penalty in the shootout, and arrived with the squad at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
However, the Dutchman was not named in the matchday squad against the Seagulls, which sparked confusion over the team Mikel Arteta had selected.
Team news reminder
14:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is how both teams will line-up today.
Arsenal XI: Raya, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Merino, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Gabriel, Jesus, Eze, Martinelli, Norgaard, Madueke, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly
Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Coppola, Dunk, van Hecke, Kadioglu, Ayari, Hinshelwood, De Cuyper, Gomez, Gruda, Rutter.
Substitutes: Steele, Minteh, Watson, Welbeck, Kostoulas, Milner, Boscagli, Wieffer, Veltman.
Premier League result
14:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt's full-time at the City Ground and Manchester City have made it eight wins in a row with a hard fought victory over Nottingham Forest.
City go top of the table ahead of Arsenal’s game with Brighton.
Brighton changes
14:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Seagulls welcome back Lewis Dunk and Diego Gomez back from suspension, while Jan Paul van Hecke returns after injury.
Former Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck is named on the substitutes bench.
Arsenal changes
14:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt's eight changes to the side that started the Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Crystal Palace as William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino are the three that stay in.
Gabriel is fit enough for the bench but Jurrien Timber misses out.
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
14:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMatt Verri is in position for us at the Emirates Stadium and has given thoughts on the Arsenal team news as Jurrien Timber's absence raises a few questions!
🗣 "Potentially Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard as the wing-backs in a back three and a box midfield."@MattVerri gives his thoughts on the Arsenal team news as Jurrien Timber's absence raises a few questions!
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) December 27, 2025
LIVE: https://t.co/wBqsqwg7ji#ARSBHA pic.twitter.com/4mFDiyI2oX
Brighton team in full
14:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBrighton XI: Verbruggen, Coppola, Dunk, van Hecke, Kadioglu, Ayari, Hinshelwood, De Cuyper, Gomez, Gruda, Rutter.
Substitutes: Steele, Minteh, Watson, Welbeck, Kostoulas, Milner, Boscagli, Wieffer, Veltman.
Arsenal team in full
14:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal XI: Raya, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Merino, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Gabriel, Jesus, Eze, Martinelli, Norgaard, Madueke, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly
Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium
13:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNot an easy Arsenal lineup to work out. No Jurrien Timber for the Gunners and it means there is no obvious right-back in the side.
Change of shape? Martin Zubimendi or Declan Rice dropping back?
CONFIRMED BRIGHTON TEAM NEWS
13:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnd lining up for the visitors...
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Our #ARSBHA starting XI... 👊 pic.twitter.com/dLE715UgTM
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 27, 2025
CONFIRMED ARSENAL TEAM NEWS
13:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is the Arsenal team Mikel Arteta has selected for this afternoon's Premier League fixture...
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 27, 2025
🔙 Hincapie returns from injury
🪄 Trossard on the left
😤 Gyokeres through the middle
Let's get this done, Gunners ✊
🤝 Presented by @deel
Arsenal boost
13:42 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLooks like Gabriel is back in the Arsenal matchday squad this afternoon.
That is a huge boost for the Gunners.
Back amongst it ❤️ pic.twitter.com/OJbAXwXyZR
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 27, 2025
Arsenal vs Brighton live - team news imminent
13:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams will be announced shortly
Stay tuned...
Why Christmas presents Arsenal with biggest chance to cement title status
13:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneEvidence that this season will or will not be different for Arsenal in their bid to be crowned Premier League champions for the first time in more than two decades.
Whether it be decisive runs of fixtures, results and performances that suggest a shift in mentality, or unexpected weaknesses from rivals, any and all indicators will be poured over.
By the time Mikel Arteta and his players come up for air on the other side of the festive period, a more compelling case will be able to be made either way.
Arsenal have a big problem
13:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta is aware that his side have been getting away with not taking their chances in front of goal in recent weeks.
Speaking after his side beat Crystal Palace on penalties, Arteta was less critical of his side’s lapse in concentration at the back and more concerned that they had kept Palace in the game by not capitalising on their dominance.
“We generated a lot, and yeah, the margin should have been much bigger,” Arteta said in his post-match press conference.
“After 94 minutes, they weren't, and when that happens, the teams have the quality to hurt you in any set-piece, and we conceded the goal, and that was emotionally tough to accept after the way the game went.”
Arsenal kept their cool from the penalty spot to seal a semi-final meeting with Chelsea, but Arteta will know that with Manchester City breathing down their necks in the race for the Premier League title, they cannot afford to be so profligate.
Latest score
13:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt's half-time at the City Ground and Manchester City are being held by Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal will not mind the 0-0 scoreline one bit...
Arsenal fitness news
13:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal could be boosted by the return of Kai Havertz in their first match after Christmas.
And despite saying Gabriel is still not back in training, Mikel Arteta may be able to call upon the Brazilian once again this afternoon.
Predicted Arsenal XI
13:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGabriel Martinelli is a fitness doubt after coming off in the second half in the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace before Christmas.
Piero Hincapie is also a doubt, having missed out against Palace due to injury.
Ben White and Cristian Mosquera remain sidelined so Riccardo Calafiori could start at centre-back with Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back, as they did against Palace.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Calafiori; Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard.
Declan Rice: The heartbeat of Arsenal's title charge
13:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneDavid Moyes, Declan Rice's former manager at West Ham, labelled the 26-year-old "probably the best midfielder in the world" after Arsenal's win over Everton last week.
Arsenal fans sing that Rice was bought at half-price and the lack of discussion over his £105million transfer fee since he arrived in 2023 suggests they might not be far off.
The Englishman has gone up another level this season in consistency, relishing the freedom to impact at both ends of the pitch with the security of Martin Zubimendi alongside him.
Today's settings
13:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneA rare Saturday afternoon kick-off for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal vs Brighton live latest match odds
13:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal to win: 1/3
Brighton to win: 7/1
Draw: 10/3
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Head to head (h2h) history and results
12:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThese two teams met as recently as the end of October in the Carabao Cup fourth round with Arsenal emerging 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal wins: 18
Brighton wins: 8
Draws: 7
Score prediction
12:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBrighton are a tricky customer and could fancy their chances with the number of players that Arsenal have out, but they themselves are missing some key names too.
The Gunners have managed to grind out wins even when not playing well in recent weeks, and should get the job done here again.
Arsenal to win, 2-0.
Brighton team news
12:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBrighton have been handed a double injury boost ahead of their clash with Arsenal.
Danny Welbeck is fit after missing their 0-0 draw with Sunderland before Christmas and the striker will be out to haunt his former club at Emirates Stadium.
Brighton are also set to have key defender Jan Paul van Hecke available again after injury, while Lewis Dunk and Diego Gomez are back from suspension.
Arsenal team news: Gabriel spotted
12:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGabriel was spotted with the Arsenal squad as the players left the team hotel ahead of their Premier League clash with Brighton.
Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman remained sidelined for Arsenal's penultimate home fixture of 2025.
Gabriel Martinelli is a doubt after sustaining a knock in the win over Crystal Palace, while Piero Hincapie faces a late fitness test amid missing the shootout victory.
Kai Havertz could be back in a matchday squad for the first time since August. David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Victor Gyokeres are all pushing for recalls.
How to watch
12:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTV channel: In the UK, the game will not be televised live as it lands during the 3pm Saturday blackout.
Live coverage: You can follow all the action right here via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Matt Verri at the ground.
Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights from 5.15pm GMT with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.25pm.
Arsenal vs Brighton live
12:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Arsenal vs Brighton!
It's back to Premier League matters for the Gunners after progressing to the Carabao Cup semi-final in midweek with a penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace.
That was the first home game Arsenal haven't won at home in 90 minutes since September, though they can't afford to drop points this afternoon.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news right here ahead of kick-off, which comes at 3pm GMT from the Emirates Stadium. Stick with us!
