Arsenal’s top-four hopes took their second big hit of the week as Brighton held on during a dramatic finish to end a seven-game winless run with a deserved 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Gunners were way below the required standard during Monday night’s 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace but there was no positive response five days on as Leandro Trossard (28) punished another tame opening spell from Mikel Arteta’s side.
Gabriel Martinelli had a header on the stroke of half-time scrubbed off when VAR eventually judged him to be offside in an extremely tight call but Enock Mwepu converted a fine half-volley (67) to put Brighton in control.
North London rivals Tottenham – who are level on points but sitting in the Champions League qualifying spots on goal difference – will try to capitalise at Aston Villa.
The derby between those sides, now scheduled for May 12 could well be decisive in the race for a place in Europe’s top club competition next season – but with Arsenal again open at the back and disjointed in attack they could well be out of the picture by then anyway.