Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Brighton extended their Premier League lead to seven points, but not without controversy. The Gunners' hard-nosed approach drew criticism from Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, who accused Arsenal of time-wasting and playing anti-football during the tense match at the Amex Stadium.

Bukayo Saka's deflected ninth-minute goal proved decisive, though Arsenal managed only two shots on target throughout the game. Their expected goals (xG) of just 0.01 in the first half highlighted their defensive strategy. Despite the lack of aesthetic appeal, Arsenal's gritty performance showcased their determination to secure results, even when not at their best.

The win came as Manchester City failed to beat Nottingham Forest, giving Arsenal a potentially decisive advantage in the title race. While critics question their methods, manager Mikel Arteta defended his team's approach, stating, 'I love my players. That's the highlight.' With eight games remaining and a seven-point lead, Arsenal's path to their first Premier League title since 2004 appears increasingly likely, regardless of their growing unpopularity.