Saka Lone-Strike Against Brighton Helps Arsenal Extend Lead As Forest Hold City

Last Updated:March 05, 2026, 08:04 IST

Saka’s early strike helped Mikel Arteta’s men establish an advantage and their lead to seven points over City, having played a game extra as compared to Pep Guardiola and Co.

Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta talks to his players during the Premier League soccer match between Brighton and Arsenal in Brighton, England, Wednesday, March 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Premier League title-aspirants Arsenal increased their lead at the top of the table with a 1-0 win over Brighton on Thursday, while Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City were held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest.

Bukayo Saka’s early strike helped Mikel Arteta’s men take the lead as early as the seventh minute and went on to hold on to the advantage until full-time whistle to take their lead to seven points over City, having played a game extra as compared to City.

City, on the other hand, had to be content with just a point on the day as Antoine Semenyo got on the end of a Rayan Cherki assist to put the former champions ahead in the 31st minute of the game as City held on to the lead till the break.

‘Morgan Gibbs-White pegged Forest back on level terms in the 56th minute of the game to restore parity, before City pulled clear yet again in the 62d minute thanks to former Ballo d’Or winner Rodri.

However, there was yet another twist in the tale as Elliot Anderson prodded the ball into the net in the 76th minute as he turned in a ball from Callum Hudson Odoi.

Elsewhere, Newcastle United handed Manchester United caretaker Michael Carrick his first loss as boss of the club when Eddie Howe and his team edged out the Red Devils in their PL encounter on Thursday.

Goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula helped the Toon Army overcome Casemiro’s strike for the Red Devils in a thrilling match.

Newcastle’s achievement was even more remarkable considering they were down to 10 men for just over half the game, as Jacob Ramsey was shown a red card by referee Peter Bankes in first-half stoppage time.

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