"The biggest bottlejobs in Premier league history", "Arteta out" - Twitter erupts as Arsenal loss to Brighton puts Manchester City on brink of title

Arsenal's title hopes have been all but ended by Brighton & Hove Albion after they suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at the Emirates on Sunday (May 14).

The Gunners headed into the clash with Brighton knowing they needed a victory to keep pace with leaders Manchester City. The reigning champions had beaten Everton 3-0 earlier in the day.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta insisted that his side concentrated on themselves and focussed on beating the Seagulls. However, they seemed to lose focus against Roberto De Zerbi's high-flying outfit.

They nearly took the lead in the 14th minute through Martin Odegaard. The Gunners captain who has been instrumental in their title challenge sent a free kick effort just wide, though.

Arteta was then dealt a massive blow when Gabriel Martinelli pulled up with an injury after a collision with Moises Caicedo. The Brazilian was forced off in the 20th minute, with former Brighton attacker Leandro Trossard replacing him.

Trossard nearly opened the scoring just 11 minutes later, but his shot got a slight nick off a Seagulls defender before it rattled the crossbar. The Belgian wheeled away in agony as he was close to giving the hosts the lead.

The Gunners pushed for an opener, but it never arrived. Bukayo Saka let rip in the 45th+1st minute but his attempt flicked off the right-hand post and behind. They headed to half time knowing that they trailed City by three points.

Those squandered opportunities came back to haunt them, as Brighton took the lead in the 51st minute. Julio Enciso notched his third goal in eight games across competitions when he nodded home Pervis Estupinan's cross.

Arteta looked on in a panic as his side were on the cusp of a devastating defeat. The Spaniard introduced Reiss Nelson in the 60th minute, and the English winger went close in the 63rd minute. His powerful strike just zipped past Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele's goal, though.

Things got worse for Arteta's men in the 85th minute, and it was a moment Aaron Ramsdasle won't want to see again. The English goalkeeper played the ball out to Trossard, but the ball was immediately intercepted by Alexis Mac Allister. His deflection fell to Deniz Undav, who lifted the ball over a nervy Ramsdale.

The exceptional Estupinan put the icing on the cake for Brighton and essentially drilled the final nail in Arsenal's coffin. The Ecuadorian left-back rounded off the Seagulls' win with a fine finish in the 90+6th minute.

The disappointing defeat means Manchester City will now win the title by beating Chelsea on Sunday (May 21) or if the Gunners lose to Nottingham Forest a day earlier.

One fan was outraged with the manner of the North Londoners' defeat and wants Arteta sacked:

"Arteta out … very bad management."

Another mocked the way the Gunners capitulated in their title quest:

"We’re witnessing one of the biggest bottlejobs in Premier league history btw lmao."

Here's how Twitter reacted to Arsenal's loss to Brighton that has put City on the brink of glory:

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Arsenal's Granit Xhaka might be tempted to leave in summer

Xhaka is tipped to leave in the summer.

Arsenal are expected to be in the market for a new midfielder in the summer. Their top target is West Ham United captain Declan Rice, who's seemingly leaving the London Stadium. Meanwhile, Brighton's Caicedo is also an option for the Gunners after they missed out on his signature in January.

Daily Star journalist Paul Brown has told GIVEMESPORT that Granit Xhaka may look to leave Arsenal if they seal a deal for one of those midfielders. His contract expires in 2024, but he has not agreed on an extension.

Xhaka has been in fine form this season, scoring seven goals and contributing as many assists. However, his place in Arteta's side will be in jeopardy should they pull off a blockbuster midfield signing.