Premier League: Man City drop crucial points at Etihad, Arsenal comfortably top.

Arsenal strengthened their position at the top of the Premier League standings 2025/26 after securing a crucial 1-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion in week 29 at the Amex Stadium, Thursday 5 March 2026 early morning WIB time.

In another match, their closest rivals, Manchester City, failed to secure a win after being held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest at Etihad Stadium.

Bukayo Saka's early goal in the 9th minute proved decisive for Arsenal's victory. Starting from an attack built by Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber, Saka made a slight move before unleashing an accurate shot past Brighton Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Brighton tried to apply pressure, especially in the second half through chances from Jack Hinshelwood and Georginio Rutter. However, Arsenal's defensive line remained solid until the final whistle. The Gunners secured the 1-0 win.

This result consolidates Arsenal's position at the top of the table with 67 points, while Brighton remains stuck in 12th place with 37 points.

In the other match, Manchester City had to settle for a share of the points after a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest. City actually led twice through goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rodri, but Forest managed to respond via Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson.

Semenyo opened City's lead in the 29th minute. His acrobatic shot after receiving a pass from Rayan Cherki beat the visiting goalkeeper. However, Forest equalized in the 56th minute through Gibbs-White.

City regained the lead in the 62nd minute through a Rodri header from a corner kick. However, Anderson made it 2-2 again in the 76th minute with a shot that goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma couldn't stop.

The score remained 2-2 until the final whistle. With this draw, Manchester City stays in second place with 60 points, trailing leaders Arsenal by seven points in the Premier League Standings.