Gabriel Jesus states that Arsenal are where Arsenal should be after a 2-1 victory over Brighton returns the team to the top of the Premier League table, with the substitute forward involved as Mikel Arteta’s side collect three crucial points at Emirates Stadium and move back above Manchester City in the title race on goal difference.
Arsenal had dropped behind earlier on 27 December 2025 when Manchester City defeat Nottingham Forest, so Arteta’s team needed a win to respond, and they deliver through a first-half strike from Martin Odegaard and a second-half own goal by Georginio Rutter, although a late Brighton reply makes the closing stages tense for home supporters.
Jesus enters from the bench alongside defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who returns
from injury, and both changes help settle Arsenal’s performance, as the forwards’ movement stretches Brighton while Gabriel strengthens the defence during the final minutes, ensuring that Arsenal protect the advantage and finish the match back on top of the Premier League.
Statistics highlight how strong Arsenal are at Emirates Stadium, with nine wins and one draw from the last 10 Premier League home fixtures, including six consecutive home league victories, which represents the club’s best run in north London since a sequence of 10 home league successes between April and December 2022, during an ongoing pursuit of a first league title since 2004.
"Everyone knows how tough it is to play in the Premier League, to fight up there," Jesus told Sky Sports. "Manchester City have won a lot. Now we are more experienced, we have a bigger squad. It's amazing to be [top] and chasing the Premier League. That is where Arsenal belongs. I hope it happens and I hope it happens this year. "
The forward’s comments reflect confidence within the squad, which Jesus believes has grown in depth and maturity since earlier title races, as Arsenal now sustain pressure on Manchester City while managing a demanding fixture schedule and coping with injuries that have affected several key players during 2025.
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton Arsenal looked in complete control until Brighton scored, then it suddenly became nervy. No problems in the end, though, as the Gunners pick up the three points and return to the top of the Premier League table. pic.twitter.com/DP46KYwNlMOpta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) December 27, 2025
Gabriel Magalhaes’ comeback draws special praise from Jesus, who underlines how the defender affects Arsenal’s structure and confidence when present in the back line, particularly in matches like this one where Brighton create late pressure and test Arsenal’s defensive concentration across the closing stages.
"As everyone could see, it changed our back line when he came on," Jesus said of Gabriel's return. "We had been conceding chances but when he stepped on the pitch you can see the difference. He is a leader, he is a beast at defending. It is a massive, massive boost for us that he is coming back. "
Jesus has also dealt with long-term injury problems, having missed most of 2025 following a serious knee issue that restricts appearances for club and country, and the forward explains that the Brighton match is another important step in building rhythm, physical sharpness and trust in the knee after an absence lasting 11 months.
"I'm very happy. I'm very excited as well because there are still a lot of games to play," he added. "I'm feeling great and after 11 months out I still need energy, but with the ball I can trust in myself again and I'm very happy with the way I have come back. "
The result against Brighton keeps Arsenal ahead of Manchester City after matching the champions’ earlier win, extends a strong home sequence at Emirates Stadium and offers further evidence of Gabriel Jesus’ recovery and Gabriel Magalhaes’ importance, as Arteta’s side continue the pursuit of a first Premier League crown since the 2003-04 season.
