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Arsenal handed its Premier League title charge a massive boost with a 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, as Bukayo Saka made the difference.

With Manchester City failing to beat Nottingham Forest at home, the Gunners took the chance to extend their lead at the top to seven points.

Saka marked his 300th appearance for Arsenal with the vital goal as his early strike deflected in off Carlos Baleba and snuck through Bart Verbruggen, who failed to react on time. 

Arsenal had earlier survived a scare as Baleba's lob looped over a displaced David Raya, though Gabriel Magalhaes was on hand to make a recovery.

Brighton pushed back admirably and nearly equalised through Georginio Rutter, who saw a wicked drive parried by the outstretched fingertips of Raya, but the host wase unable to find a breakthrough. 

Former Brighton forward Leandro Trossard squandered a golden chance late on as well, slicing well off target from Jurrien Timber's centre, though his profligacy did not cost Arsenal in the end.