Brighton-deal-fatal-blow-to-Arsenal's-title-hopes.

Brighton & Hove Albion achieved a third consecutive away victory against Arsenal with a remarkable second-half display, dealing a severe blow to the Gunners' hopes of catching up with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League (PL).

The first half-hour of the game was tentative, with neither side gaining control. Arsenal had a close call with a fierce strike from former Seagulls player Leandro Trossard, who hit the bar from the edge of the box after replacing the injured Martinelli midway through the first half. However, the best chance fell to Brighton's Julio Enciso, who missed an open goal after excellent wing play from Mitoma.

Brighton had scored in each of their last 11 PL away games and emerged from the break with renewed determination, finding the breakthrough in the 51st minute through Enciso. The Paraguayan converted unmarked from Pervis Estupiñán's cross, giving Roberto De Zerbi's side a well-deserved lead. Arsenal needed an immediate response, but Reiss Nelson's low strike missed the far post by a narrow margin as they struggled against their disciplined opponents.

With 15 minutes remaining, Arsenal's hopes of a late comeback seemed to be fading away, and that proved to be true. Deniz Undav and Estupiñán took advantage of poor defending late in the game, sealing a thoroughly deserved victory for Brighton. The defeat leaves Arsenal four points behind league leaders Manchester City, who need just three more points to secure their third successive title. On the other hand, Brighton rose to sixth in the table, having played fewer games than all of their rivals for the European qualification spots.

Credits: Flashscore

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