EPL: Saka’s goal opens seven-point lead for Arsenal at the top as City stumble

Arsenal have opened a seven-point lead at the top of the English Premier League (EPL) table following a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brighton at the AMEX Stadium on Wednesday night.

The victory and Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest gave the Gunners some breathing space in the title race as the season enters the final stretch.

Bukayo Saka, in his 300th game for Arsenal, netted the only goal of the match in the ninth minute, as the Gunners made it three consecutive league wins. The winger’s deflected strike was enough to seal the precious three points that increased the Gunners’ points tally to 67 from 30 matches, seven ahead of Man City, who have played a match less.

Pep Guardiola’s City went ahead twice at the Etihad Stadium through Antoine Semenyo and Rodri, but were pegged back on both occasions by Morgan Gibbs-White’s exquisite finish and Elliot Anderson’s 25-yard strike.

In other matches, Chelsea thrashed Aston Villa 4-1 at Villa Park thanks to Joao Pedro’s hat-trick. Cole Palmer was also on the scoresheet as the Blues moved up to fifth position on better goal difference than sixth-placed Liverpool.

EPL RESULTS
Aston Villa 1-4 Chelsea
Brighton 0-1 Arsenal
Manchester City 2-2 Nottingham Forest
Fulham 0-1 West Ham United