Manchester City are on the verge of clinching the Premier League title following Arsenal’s surprise 3-0 defeat to Brighton at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav, and Pervis Estupinan scored second-half goals to secure a vital victory for Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton, who had suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat at home to Everton just a few days earlier.
City’s 3-0 win over Everton earlier in the day had put them in a commanding position, with Ilkay Gundogan’s brace and Erling Haaland’s strike taking them to the brink of the title. Arsenal’s defeat means they are now four points behind City with only one game left to play.
Even if Arsenal manage to beat Wolves in their final match, City will be champions for the third season in a row if they overcome Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on May 21. City’s remaining fixtures after that are trips to Brighton and Brentford.
Arsenal’s young team, led by manager Mikel Arteta, had been in contention for the title for much of the season but ultimately fell short.
However, their second-place finish marks a significant improvement from recent years of underachievement.
Brighton’s win was based on a well-drilled defensive display and clinical finishing on the counter-attack. Arsenal had their chances, with Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka going close, but they were unable to break through.
Enciso’s header early in the second half gave Brighton the lead, and Undav’s lob and Estupinan’s late strike sealed a memorable victory.
Gabriel Martinelli’s injury was another blow for Arsenal, who will be disappointed to end the season on a low note after their promising campaign.
