Arsenal fans must now accept that their team’s race for the Premier League title is over. They fell short of the standards required for a title charge against Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta’s side was outplayed and outclassed by a remarkable Brighton team who played with courage and skill, imposing themselves and succeeding in the most eye-catching style.
Few opponents have done to Arsenal what Brighton did to them, building from the back with courage and attacking with menace. The visitors played the more adventurous football and took most of the risks, striking three times in the second half with goals from Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav, and Pervis Estupinan.
The Emirates Stadium became a cauldron of anger and frustration as Brighton managed the occasion, and the team that played the better football on the day left with three points.
The result was seismic for the title race and the race for European places. Brighton responded to their bizarre 5-1 loss to Everton last week with a measure of their quality and developing mentality.
Arsenal had run out of ideas long before the end, with their fans streaming towards the exits while Brighton’s supporters cheered every pass. It is not over until it is officially over, but for Arsenal, the race is certainly run.
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