Log in

Goal from halfway line helps surprise package Brighton win 5-0 as Arsenal leaves it late at Forest

A breathtaking 50-meter strike stood out among the five goals scored by Brighton in the latest big win from this season's surprise package in the Premier League.

As for Arsenal, the defending champion just needed one goal — a late one from substitute Noni Madueke — to see off Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Manchester United ended a turbulent week by scrapping out a 1-1 draw at fierce rival Leeds.

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers starting at $5 for your first month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

Please log in to continue

Log in
I am anchor

Goal from halfway line helps surprise package Brighton win 5-0 as Arsenal leaves it late at Forest

Posted

A breathtaking 50-meter strike stood out among the five goals scored by Brighton in the latest big win from this season's surprise package in the Premier League.

As for Arsenal, the defending champion just needed one goal — a late one from substitute Noni Madueke — to see off Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Manchester United ended a turbulent week by scrapping out a 1-1 draw at fierce rival Leeds.

Gomez scores from the halfway line for Brighton

Evoking memories of David Beckham’s famous goal from the halfway line for Man United 30 years ago, Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez boldly launched a shot from just inside Crystal Palace's half and the ball flew over stranded Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez into the net for an instant goal-of-the-season contender in England's top division.

It was the second of three goals in the opening 10 minutes for Brighton, which swept to a 5-0 win over Palace and another statement victory in a campaign that has already seen the south-coast team overwhelm Arsenal 3-0.

As well as an own-goal, Brighton also had goals from Yasin Ayari, Charalampos Kostoulas and Jack Hinshelwood at Amex Stadium and moved up to third place with the win.

Only three teams — Arsenal (2009-10), Man United (2011-12) and Manchester City (2019-20) — in Premier League history have scored more after seven matches than Brighton's 23 goals, according to stat supplier Opta.

It was the worst possible result for Palace manager Pierre Sage, who was under pressure even before a heavy loss to his club’s biggest rival.

The Frenchman apologized to fans and said he didn’t know if he’d be given time to turn things around after two wins in seven matches.

Arsenal squeezes past Forest to go 3 points behind City

Unlike Brighton, goals aren't proving so easily to come by for Arsenal, which has 11 from seven games at the start of its title defense.

Madueke was the matchwinner for the defending champions after coming on as a halftime substitute, with the England winger cutting inside in the 80th minute and sending in a shot that deflected past Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.

That was Arsenal's only shot on target in the entire match.

“We showed grit, determination — we showed a champion spirit here tonight,” Madueke said.

Arsenal moved back into second place, three points behind Manchester City in a title race that is clouded in controversy now that City has been found guilty of large-scale financial breaches that are set to result in severe sanctions should the team lose its appeal.

Man United hangs on for draw at Leeds

Four days after his headline-grabbing outburst following a Champions League loss, Lisandro Martinez started for Man United at Elland Road but was substituted at halftime — by which time his team was leading Leeds thanks to Bryan Mbeumo's 35th-minute strike.

Leeds equalized in the 51st through Dominic Calvert-Lewin, leaving Man United with just one win from its first seven league games this season — the fewest by this stage for the club in 40 years — and just two victories from 10 games in all competitions.

Still, under-pressure United manager Michael Carrick regarded the hard-earned point as “a platform to build on, for sure.”

“It felt like a bit of a fresh start, if I’m honest, today in where we’re at and accepting it and doing something about it," Carrick said.

“It definitely shows that the boys are desperate to do well for each other."

Bournemouth finally wins

In the other early kickoff, Brazilian striker Evanilson scored one goal and set up the other for Marcus Tavernier in Bournemouth's 2-0 win over Sunderland, which was a man down from the 17th minute after a red card for defender Kevin Danso.

It was Bournemouth's first league win of the season.

___

See AP’s full soccer coverage here

Share with others


Have an opinion on this story? Click here to send a letter to our editors.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here