Unapologetic Arteta hails 'astronomical' defensive effort against Brighton as Arsenal increase lead atop Premier League

Sometimes a win is beautiful, and other times it's a grind.

It was definitely the latter for Arsenal on Wednesday, as they held off a spirited Brighton & Hove Albion side to claim a crucial 1-0 win at the American Express Stadium. The Gunners could hardly be lauded for their flowing football on the day as they were often pinned back by their hosts, but a fortuitous Bukayo Saka goal in the ninth minute was all they needed to collect another three points in their ongoing quest for a first Premier League title in 22 years.

The Seagulls were far from gracious hosts, dominating all the attacking statistics during Wednesday's match aside from the most important one. It ultimately did not matter as Arsenal walked away with the victory and pulled slightly away from second-place Manchester City, who could only muster a draw at home against Nottingham Forest in a match that kicked off at the same time as the Gunners' win.

"This was a really difficult one after everything we've been through in the last few weeks," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told TNT Sports in a forthright assessment of his team's performance amid a gruelling schedule and injuries to key players.

"Every game in the Premier League offers you different things. Big credit to the boys because the effort they put in is astronomical."

The Gunners have come under criticism this season for their reliance on set pieces to create goals, and while Wednesday's win was a result of an open-play attack, it came during a match in which the league leaders invited Brighton to carry the match. It made for an uncharacteristically defensive outing from Arsenal's perspective, but it ultimately delivered what Arsenal were looking for.

"I think we know what the game is we want to play," longtime Arsenal defender Gabriel told TNT Sports. "It is very tough to come here and play well.

"The more important thing is coming here, getting the clean sheet and the three points."

Amid a fierce title race against England's most successful side over the past decade, Arteta was unapologetic in his team's approach.

"We did what we had to do, and that is what we will continue to do."

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