New Delhi: Matchday 18 of the Premier League brought significant changes at both ends of the table, with Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town and Brighton’s frustrating goalless draw with Brentford highlighting contrasting fortunes. Arsenal’s win pushed them up to second place, just six points behind leaders Liverpool.
The Gunners had to work hard for their victory, with Kai Havertz scoring the only goal of the match in the 23rd minute, securing a much-needed three points. Despite missing a couple of chances and having a goal ruled out for offside, Mikel Arteta’s side controlled the game. Ipswich, who remain stuck at the bottom, failed to register a shot on target and looked increasingly desperate.
On the other hand, Brighton’s goalless draw with Brentford at the Amex Stadium left the Seagulls still searching for their first win in six matches.
Despite dominating the game with 24 shots, they were unable to break down Brentford’s defence. Julio Enciso was particularly unlucky, firing off eight shots in the first half alone, but none found the back of the net. Brighton have now failed to win since November 23, and their inability to convert chances has seen them stagnate in mid-table, currently sitting in 10th place.
Premier League table after matchday 18
Position
Teams
Matches
Win
Draw
Loss
Goal Difference
Points
1
Liverpool
17
13
3
1
23
42
2
Arsenal
18
10
6
2
19
36
3
Chelsea
18
10
5
3
17
35
4
Nottingham Forest
18
10
4
4
18
34
5
Newcastle United
18
8
5
5
9
29
6
Bournemouth
18
8
5
5
6
29
7
Manchester City
18
8
4
6
4
28
8
Fulham
18
7
7
4
3
28
9
Aston Villa
18
8
4
6
-3
28
10
Brighton and Hove Albion
18
6
8
4
1
26
11
Brentford
18
7
3
8
0
24
12
Tottenham
18
7
2
9
13
23
13
West Ham United
18
6
5
7
-7
23
14
Manchester United
18
6
4
8
-3
22
15
Everton
17
3
8
6
-7
17
16
Crystal Palace
18
3
8
7
-8
17
17
Wolves
18
4
3
11
-11
15
18
Leicester City
18
3
5
10
-18
14
19
Ipswich Town
18
2
6
10
-17
12
20
Southampton
18
1
3
14
-26
6
The results have significant implications for the Premier League table, with Arsenal capitalising on Chelsea’s loss to climb above them into second.
Meanwhile, Brighton remain in 10th, while Brentford’s draw moves them up to 11th. As the league table tightens, Arsenal’s climb further up will likely add more pressure on their rivals, while Brighton’s inability to find form is cause for concern as they sit in the middle of the pack.
Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Ipswich Town moves them to second in the Premier League, while Brighton’s draw with Brentford leaves them frustrated. The table sees Arsenal six points behind Liverpool, and Brighton still searching for their first win in six matches. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today