William Saliba's Arsenal response after injury blow ruled him out of Brighton win

Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League after claiming a 1-0 win over Brighton that moved them seven points clear of Manchester City

William Saliba showed he was buzzing with how Arsenal's evening went without him as his side extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with a win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Premier League title race took another turn on Wednesday night as the Gunners moved further clear of Manchester City, after Cristhian Mosquera filled in to help keep a clean sheet.

Bukayo Saka’s deflected first-half goal was enough to scrape a 1-0 win at the Amex Stadium, and it came while City dropped points against relegation-battling Nottingham Forest.

Pep Guardiola’s side were left frustrated as Forest twice came from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Saliba missed the game on the South Coast due to an ankle injury, but reacting to his side’s latest victory, he reposted a graphic from the club on Instagram as well, including a fire and thumbs-up emoji.

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Confirming Saliba's problem, Arteta had confirmed: “He turned his ankle against Chelsea. He managed to finish the game somehow, but he was too sore to play today.”

Following the significant victory, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said: "This was a really difficult one after everything we've been through in the last few weeks.

"Every game in the Premier League offers you different things. Big credit to the boys because the effort they put in is astronomical.”

On the seven-point gap, Arteta said: "We did what we had to do, and that is what we will continue to do."

While Gunners defender Gabriel said: "I think we know what the game is we want to play. It is very tough to come here and play well. The more important thing is coming here, getting the clean sheet and the three points."

However, Alan Pardew believes Arsenal’s perceived time wasting should mean their Premier League title comes with an asterisk.

Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “When I’m looking at them with my football manager’s head on, they’re so professional. They do every bit of gamesmanship to get it over the line.

“But really and truly, Brighton, although they have definitely upped the tempo and looked better second half, they’ve not really hurt Arsenal.

“And at the moment it looks like Arsenal are going to see it through. There’ll be an asterisk next to their name because you’ve only got to look at them really in these type of performances and say it’s just a functional display.

“It’s a professional, functional display. They’re good, they’re strong, they’re powerful. But there is nothing beautiful about them. That’s the truth.”

Arsenal face Mansfield Town in the FA Cup fifth round this Saturday before returning to Premier League action against Everton at the Emirates Stadium a week on Saturday.