Arsenal aim to block Man City surge in crucial Emirates test

Arsenal return to Premier League action this weekend knowing that another victory is required to protect their narrow advantage at the top of the table when Brighton & Hove Albion visit the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners begin the round with a two-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, a margin that leaves no room for complacency as the festive schedule continues to compress the title race.

Mikel Arteta’s side have already shown this season that maintaining momentum, rather than chasing it, is the real challenge when leading from the front.

Their position at the summit has been built on control, depth, and an ability to edge tight games even when performances have dipped slightly below their early-season peak.

That was again the case in last weekend’s narrow league win, which restored Arsenal to first place and underlined their capacity to grind out results when fluency is missing.

Arteta will now want to see a clearer statement performance, especially at home, where standards are higher and expectations sharper.

Brighton arrive with a reputation for troubling elite sides through brave possession football and intelligent pressing structures.

However, this meeting comes at a moment when the visitors appear slightly blunted, with a winless run that has drained some of their usual confidence.

Brighton have struggled to impose themselves in recent weeks, particularly in the final third, where goals have been difficult to find.

That downturn offers Arsenal encouragement, especially given their own defensive consistency and growing control in midfield areas.

The Emirates has been a fortress for the Gunners this season, with their home performances forming the backbone of their title push.

They have dropped points just once at home and continue to concede chances sparingly, even during matches where rhythm has been uneven.

Midweek cup action also offered a timely psychological lift, with a rotated Arsenal side showing resilience, togetherness, and intensity to progress.

That victory brought the squad together, kept key players fresh, and reinforced the competitive edge Arteta has demanded throughout the campaign.

Crucially, it also highlighted how much room there still is for improvement in front of goal.

Arsenal created enough chances in that match to have settled it far earlier, particularly during a dominant first half.

Greater clinical sharpness this weekend would allow them to assert their superiority earlier and avoid unnecessary tension.

Brighton’s tendency to grow into games could be punished if Arsenal match their control with decisiveness in the final third.

The league leaders will feel that if they reach their usual level, the quality gap should become clear over ninety minutes.

With Manchester City waiting for any slip, Arsenal understand that protecting their lead means continuing to win, not merely avoiding defeat.

Tomorrow’s contest therefore represents another small but significant test of their maturity.

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