Arsenal’s 2-1 loss to Brighton diminishes top-four hopes further

Arsenal have lost their second Premier League game in a row, with a 2-1 loss against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium. The visiting team earned three big points away from home and ended their seven-game winless run against the top four contenders. 

Belgium international Leandro Trossard opened the scoring for Brighton near the half-hour mark, after a pass back from Enock Mwepu. The midfielder would then get onto the scoresheet, with his shot fired into the bottom corner to double the lead. 

Gabriel Martinelli thought he had pulled one back for his side shortly before half time, but the goal was scrapped by VAR. Shortly before the end, Martin Odegaard was able to score for Arsenal, but it wasn’t enough to salvage a point. 

Arsenal’s top four hopes fading with defeat to Brighton

With Spurs cruising to a 4-0 win against Aston Villa, the pressure is on Arsenal to win their game in hand against Southampton. Their next fixtures will see them face Chelsea, Manchester United, West Ham United, Leeds and Tottenham as part of a very difficult list. 

With injuries piling up at the worst time, Mikel Arteta has a big task on his hands to achieve a top four finish this season. The Spaniard’s side isn’t completely out of the race, but they will have to find a way to get back to winning ways if they are to limit the damage done.