Premier League 2025-26: Odegaard back on course as Arsenal regain top spot

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard’s first club goal of the season helped his side beat Brighton and Hove Albion 2-1 at home on Saturday and return to the top of the Premier League.

For the second week in a row, Arsenal started after being ousted by Manchester City earlier in the day and again responded to the challenge.

Odegaard’s season was disrupted by a knee injury, but he showed his trademark precision in the 14th minute, firing a left-footed shot low past Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen.

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Arsenal were utterly dominant and doubled their lead with Georginio Rutter’s own goal in the 52nd minute.

Brighton had offered virtually nothing as an attacking force until Diego Gomez whipped home a rebound in the 64th minute after Yasin Ayari’s shot came back off the post.

The visitor came on strong late in the match and would have equalized if Arsenal keeper David Raya had not produced a stunning save to deny Yankuba Minteh’s curling attempt.

It was a nerve-wracking finish but Arsenal held on to reach 42 points from 18 games with City, who beat Nottingham Forest on 40 points earlier on Saturday.

Published on December 27, 2025