Arsenal’s hopes of a first Premier League title in 20 years are in tatters after they were thrashed 3-0 by Brighton.
Manchester City ’s win at Everton meant that the Gunners were four points adrift by the time they kicked off at the Emirates. And that gap remains intact after a demolition job by Roberto de Zerbi’s brilliant Brighton.
Goals from Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav and Pervis Estupinan condemned Mikel Arteta’s side to the damaging defeat in front of their own crest-fallen supporters. It means City can now win the title NEXT week, if they beat Chelsea next Sunday - or even sooner if Arsenal slip up at Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal had been in control of the title race for the majority of the season, but with the finishing line in sight, their form has eluded them. The loss to Brighton ensured they have now dropped 12 points from their last seven matches, with City winning 11 on the spin to reel in, and subsequently overhaul Arteta’s charges.
And it was all too easy for Brighton, who quickly quietened the expectant home crowd before dominating them in all facets of the game. Enciso opened the scoring after 51 minutes, before Undav capitalised on a defensive mix up to double their lead with four minutes of normal time remaining.
But it didn't stop there for the dejected Gunners with Estupinan popping up in stoppage time to send the travelling contingent of Brighton fans into ecstasy. They made the short trip to the capital with a point to prove following their thrashing by Everton - and did so emphatically to seriously boost their own European aspirations.
Patrick Vieira, the last man to lift the title for Arsenal, conceded their chances were over, with City poised to make three in a row. " I’m really sorry to say that but I think it’ll be impossible for City to let that go now.
"It was a must-win game for Arsenal and today they didn’t play the game that we were waiting. There was a lack of energy and it looked like the result of City killed their legs because today they didn’t do enough to win the game."
Jakub Kiwior was singled out for criticism during the game, particularly for his part in Brighton's opening goal. The January signing went down following a collision with Evan Ferguson, leaving the Gunners woefully short at the back.
Gary Neville on commentary said: "I’m sure the lads in the studio, Roy [Keane] and Patrick [Vieira], might be thinking it, I’m a bit more - if you’re injured, you’re injured, but it’s your centre half. You’ve got to stand up and let the attack finish, surely."
But it wasn't just Kiwior who failed to hit the heights, with Mirror Football's John Cross dishing out some low marks to the likes of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Jorginho.
Arsenal player ratings vs Brighton
Aaron Ramsdale 6 ; Ben White 6 , Jakub Kiwior 5 , Gabriel 6 , Kieran Tierney 6 ; Jorginho 5 (Partey, 60, 6 ), Granit Xhaka 6 (Nelson, 60, 6 ); Bukayo Saka 5 , Martin Odegaard 5 (Smith Rowe, 77), Gabriel Martinelli 4 (Trossard, 20, 6 ); Gabriel Jesus 6 (Nketiah, 77).
