Arsenal don't need to make friends to win Premier League

"Arsenal had just ground out a 1-0 win at Brighton when news filtered through seconds later that rivals Manchester City had drawn at home to Nottingham Forest, putting the Gunners seven points clear and the Premier League title back solely in their own hands. Fresh optimism surged through those traveling supporters who, as they filtered out, sang: 'And now you will believe us, we're gonna win the league.'"

"Arsenal's Bukayo Saka scored the only goal after nine minutes on a tame strike that took a slight deflection off Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, which doesn't exonerate goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen's flimsy effort in attempting a save. Arsenal were largely passive thereafter, content to slow the game down and conserve energy and possession, to an extent that aggravated Brighton from the outset."

"Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler set the tone to some extent with his pre-match comments highlighting the length of time Arsenal take in restarting play from corners. The home fans got the message. They howled derision as the Gunners were slow to restart at goal kicks, corners, free kicks -- essentially, any time the ball went out of play."

Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Brighton with Bukayo Saka scoring in the ninth minute following a deflection off Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. The Gunners adopted a defensive, possession-based approach throughout the match, deliberately slowing play and conserving energy. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler criticized Arsenal's timewasting tactics, particularly during restarts from corners and goal kicks, setting an aggressive tone that frustrated the home supporters. Referee Chris Kavanagh warned Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya about timewasting. The victory proved significant as Manchester City simultaneously drew at home to Nottingham Forest, placing Arsenal seven points clear and giving them sole control of the title race.

Read at ESPN.com