Arsenal's goal difference in title race vs Man City after dominant Brighton win

Manchester City succeeded in putting pressure on Arsenal in the title race. Pep Guardiola's side recorded a 4-0 victory over Brighton on Thursday night to cut the Gunners' lead to one point.

Pep Guardiola's side could have struggled away at the Amex Stadium, facing an attacking Brighton side in midweek. However, Kevin De Bruyne gave Man City an early lead, bolstered by a fist-half brace from Phil Foden, before Julian Alvarez rounded off the scoring.

The result moved Guardiola's team to within a point of the Gunners and two clear of Liverpool, having played a game less. However, Arsenal could face another twist in this tense title race after Man City's dominant victory over Brighton.

The main focus may have been City closing in on Arsenal's points tally but Guardiola also made progress in another aspect of the table. Pep Guardiola's side improved their goal difference to +48 but still have some way to catch Arsenal.

The Gunners' total of +56 remains significantly better than City's. However, City's convincing win allowed Guardiola's side to improve to +48, reducing the difference to eight. Liverpool sit further back on +41.

The gap is significant, though another emphatic win for Man City could change that dynamic before the season concludes. Goal difference could play a crucial role if Arsenal finish on the same points as Man City, who would have to drop points in their remaining five matches.

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Arsenal's next chance to boost their goal difference will come against Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby on Sunday, Man City will be away at Nottingham Forest on the same day, while Liverpool travel to West Ham United on Saturday.