Brighton’s stunning 3-0 victory over Thomas Partey’s Arsenal on Sunday at the Emirates has all but ended the Gunners’ hopes of winning the Premier League title this season.
Manchester City, who secured a comfortable win against Everton earlier in the day, could now be crowned champions next week if Arsenal lose to Nottingham Forest on Saturday. In any other result, City will have the opportunity to clinch the trophy in front of their own fans against Chelsea the following Sunday.
The Gunners needed a victory against Brighton to stay in the title race but failed to rise to the occasion against a Seagulls side that responded emphatically to their recent humiliation at the hands of Everton.
In a feisty encounter, Julio Enciso opened the scoring with a close-range header after Jakub Kiwior went down when Evan Ferguson trod on his boot.
The Seagulls then played with their hosts, growing increasingly frustrated, and delivered the knockout punch when Deniz Undav lobbed Aaron Ramsdale. Pervis Estupinan added a third, following up Ramsdale’s weak save.
Brighton and their fans now look forward to securing European football and, potentially, an outside shot at Champions League qualifying spots when they face Newcastle on Thursday, live on Sky Sports.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s title hopes have been dealt a significant blow, and the team will be left dejected by their disappointing performance.
Partey who started from the bench replaced Jorginho in the 60th-minute of the game.
