Brighton & Hove Albion moved provisionally into second place in the Premier League table on Sunday, October 18, 2026, after recording a commanding 5-0 victory over rivals Crystal Palace. Arsenal have an opportunity to reclaim the position when they face Nottingham Forest later in the day.

According to Reuters, Brighton’s emphatic win at the Amex Stadium lifted them to 16 points, five behind league leaders Manchester City. Arsenal began the day with 15 points and could move back above Brighton with a victory against Nottingham Forest.

Brighton made a fast start, taking the lead in the fourth minute when Crystal Palace defender Jaydee Canvot scored an own goal.

Diego Gómez doubled the advantage three minutes later with a remarkable strike from near the halfway line. The midfielder capitalised on an error by Adam Wharton before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Walter Benítez.

Yasin Ayari extended Brighton’s lead in the opening 10 minutes, leaving Palace facing a difficult task to recover from the early deficit.

Brighton maintained their attacking pressure after the break, with Charalampos Kostoulas scoring the fourth goal before substitute Jack Hinshelwood completed the 5-0 victory late in the match.

The result marked a significant win for Brighton against their south-coast rivals and strengthened their position among the early contenders near the top of the Premier League table.

According to The Guardian, the five-goal margin also matched Brighton’s record winning scoreline against Crystal Palace, previously achieved in 1956.

Attention now turns to Arsenal’s away fixture against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. The Gunners entered Sunday’s matchday in second place with 15 points, while Forest were looking for their first home victory of the league campaign.

A win for Arsenal would allow them to reclaim second place, depending on the resulting points and goal difference. Brighton’s position at the top end of the table remains provisional until Arsenal’s match is decided.

The outcome of the Forest fixture will therefore determine whether Brighton retain second place or Arsenal regain it as the Premier League season continues. Source https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19iJCzcSAu/