'Only one team tried to play' - Arsenal earn the points, but not plaudits

"The Gunners would, in all likelihood, end up as unpopular, unloved champions as their hard-nosed approach comes under increasingly unflattering scrutiny. And more came their way after a contentious eyesore of a game settled by Bukayo Saka's early goal, one that saw Arsenal's lead at the top of the table extended to seven points to create a potentially decisive advantage."

"Arteta's side have been criticised for what outside observers regard as their employment of dark arts and an over-reliance on set-piece expertise to maintain their position at the top of the table. And the 1-0 victory at The Amex was the very definition of ugly. In fact to describe it as 'ugly' is an insult to ugly."

"This is not a popularity contest. It is a title contest Arsenal are currently winning. And yet, as the Gunners fans reacted joyously at the final whistle to this win and also at Manchester City's failure to beat Nottingham Forest, this beast of a triumph might turn out to be a beauty."

Arsenal defeated Brighton 1-0 through Bukayo Saka's early goal, extending their Premier League lead to seven points. The victory was marked by defensive, pragmatic play that drew criticism from Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler and observers who view Arsenal's approach as employing questionable tactics and over-reliance on set-pieces. Arsenal's expected goals were minimal at 0.01 in the first half, with their second shot on target not arriving until the 88th minute. This represents Arsenal's tenth single-goal victory this season. Despite the uninspiring performance, the win coincided with Manchester City's failure to beat Nottingham Forest, potentially establishing a decisive advantage in the title race. Arsenal's hard-nosed approach, though unpopular, may ultimately prove victorious.

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