Arsenal suffered a severe blow to their title aspirations as they lost 3-0 to Brighton, leaving Manchester City one win away from securing their fifth Premier League title in six seasons.
Following City’s 3-0 victory over Everton earlier on Sunday, the Gunners were four points behind them in the title race and needed to bounce back.
Despite Leandro Trossard hitting the crossbar against his former team and Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka going close, Arsenal had a frustrating day.
Brighton’s Julio Enciso scored a close-range header to put them in front, and substitute Deniz Undav doubled their lead in the 86th minute by lobbing Aaron Ramsdale.
Pervis Estupinan added to Arsenal’s misery with Brighton’s third in the 96th minute.
If City beat Chelsea at home next Sunday, they will clinch the Premier League title in front of their home fans, regardless of whether Arsenal defeats Nottingham Forest away on Saturday.
If Arsenal loses at Nottingham Forest, City will be confirmed champions without playing on Saturday.
In a game marked by numerous fouls, Arsenal lost Gabriel Martinelli to injury in the first half following a foul by Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, whom the Gunners tried to sign in January.
Brighton’s victory lifted them above Aston Villa and Tottenham into sixth place with 58 points, four points behind fifth-placed Liverpool with a game in hand.
Arsenal’s maximum possible points are 87, while City have 85 and three more matches to play against Chelsea (home), Brighton (away), and Brentford (away).