The Gunners tightens grip in Title Race?
The Gunners are looking for important points when they travel to Brighton in one of this evening’s midweek PL matches. Read up on the match below as we take a closer look at the league leader’s next fixture!
An in-form Arsenal travel to the Amex Stadium on Wednesday evening hoping to secure their third consecutive PL victory. There may also be renewed debate around Arsenal’s corner routines as Mikel Arteta’s side look to consolidate their position at the top of the table. Brighton arrive with momentum of their own after recording back-to-back league wins, meaning both teams head into the clash in confident mood. The Seagulls defeated Nottingham Forest 2–1 at home on Sunday, while Arsenal produced the same result against Chelsea to maintain control of the title race.
Match Analysis
Set pieces have long been one of Arsenal’s most effective attacking weapons under Mikel Arteta, and they again proved decisive against Chelsea. The game lacked rhythm in open play at times, but the Gunners’ precision from corners made the difference. William Saliba and Jurrien Timber both scored with headers, while Piero Hincapie also turned the ball into his own net following another aerial delivery.
Despite the 2–1 scoreline, the match was not entirely comfortable for Arsenal. Chelsea’s red card to Pedro Neto injected renewed energy into the visitors during the final stages, but David Raya produced several key saves, and the offside flag also came to Arsenal’s rescue at crucial moments.
The victory also saw Arsenal equal the PL record for most goals scored from corners in a single season with 16. Given their continued threat from set pieces, it may only be a matter of time before they break the record outright.
The win restored Arsenal’s five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table. City still hold a game in hand, but heading into next month’s much-anticipated clash at the Etihad Stadium, the initiative remains firmly with Arteta’s side.
Arsenal’s away form is another encouraging sign. The Gunners are now unbeaten in 11 away matches across all competitions, while their attacking output on the road has improved significantly. Between August and December they averaged 1.2 goals per PL away match, compared with 2.3 goals per game since the turn of the year.
Brighton approach the fixture with renewed belief as well. The Seagulls have now recorded more PL wins in their last two games than they managed in the previous 13. Former Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck proved decisive against Nottingham Forest after Diego Gomez had opened the scoring.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side have therefore secured consecutive league victories for only the second time this season, having also beaten Brentford and Nottingham Forest in November.
Even so, Brighton have yet to win three league matches in a row during the 2025–26 campaign. They enter the midweek round in 11th place in the standings despite collecting six points from their last two games.
At the Amex Stadium, Brighton have generally been competitive. They have suffered just two home defeats in the league this season, although they have also won only two of their last eight matches on their own ground.
Arsenal also hold the edge in recent meetings between the sides. Brighton earned a 1–1 draw at home a little over a year ago, but Arteta’s team have since won both encounters in the League Cup and the PL. In addition, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five away games against Brighton since the 2020–21 season.
Team News
Arsenal’s victory over Chelsea came at a physical cost. Declan Rice was substituted in the second half after showing clear signs of discomfort, though Mikel Arteta is hopeful the midfielder will be available for Wednesday’s match. The Arsenal captain is also a doubt due to a knee issue, although his absence last weekend was reportedly precautionary. Mikel Merino and Ben White are confirmed absentees.
Should neither Rice nor their captain be fit enough to start, Myles Lewis-Skelly could be handed a role in central midfield. The academy graduate had previously been lined up for a similar position in their cup tie against Wigan Athletic before Riccardo Calafiori suffered an injury during the warm-up.
Brighton may also need to make one change to their lineup. Mats Wieffer was unable to complete the full match against Nottingham Forest, meaning Joel Veltman could move into the right-back role.
Wieffer is one of several Brighton players dealing with fitness concerns. Yasin Ayari is close to returning from a shoulder injury, while Adam Webster and Stefanos Tzimas remain out for the rest of the season with knee problems.
James Milner started the Forest match and made his 655th PL appearance, though Carlos Baleba is an option if Hurzeler decides to rotate given the tight schedule.
Odds and Tips
Brighton’s recent improvement is clear, but defensive issues remain a concern. The Seagulls have managed just one clean sheet in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have shown consistency both in performances and results. Whether through open play or their increasingly dangerous set pieces, the visitors possess several ways to unlock opposition defences.
The game could be closer than the table might suggest, but Arsenal appear to have the quality required to claim another important victory.
Tip: Arsenal to win at 1.70.
Don’t forget that we have Early Payout on this one – read more about it here.
Please note that the odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last updated: 04.03.26
