This one Arsenal trend from Brighton win should worry the Premier League

Will Wednesday 4 March be remembered as a day Arsenal took a gigantic step towards that illusive Premier League title? Despite mustering just one shot on target and creating no big chances, the Gunners battled to a 1-0 victory over Brighton by the South Coast. Bukayo Saka's long-range strike in only the ninth minute deflected in through Bart Verbruggen's legs.

This is the tenth time Mikel Arteta's team have won a league match by a solitary goal this season, the club's second-most at this stage of a campaign, behind only 2003/04.

Arsenal's Premier League victories by a 1 goal margin this season

• 4 March: Brighton & Hove Albion 0-1 Arsenal.

• 1 March: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea.

• 3 January: Bournemouth 2-3 Arsenal.

• 27 December: Arsenal 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion.

• 20 December: Everton 0-1 Arsenal.

• 13 December: Arsenal 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers.

• 26 October: Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace.

• 18 October: Fulham 0-1 Arsenal.

• 28 September: Newcastle United 1-2 Arsenal.

• 17 August: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal.

Of course, 2003/04 is the last time Arsenal were Premier League champions, a wait that every Gooner is hoping will come to an end in 80 days time. Arsène Wenger's Invincibles are remembered for their free-flowing, attacking football and flair, but is that clouded by nostalgia?

That year, Arsenal scored 73 Premier League goals, while the modern day team currently have 59, therbey needing 15 from their remaining eight fixtures to surpass them. Also, as already alluded to, 14 of the Invincibles' 26 wins were by a single goal.

This includes a come from behind 2-1 victory over already relegated Leicester on the final day which completed the unbeaten season. Thus, there is nothing wrong with grinding it out and battling to narrow victories. On the contrary, this is usually considered the mark of champions.

So, why was Wednesday such a crucial night? Well, at the same time as Arsenal's nervy victory in Sussex, Manchester City could only draw 2-2 with Nottingham Forest at the Etihad, despite leading twice. Being in the away end as that news filtered through, with thousands jubilant and in disbelief in equal measure, was a truly magical moment to cherish.

We've moved on from the transistor radio-era to looking over the shoulders of those of us connected to the Amex Stadium Wi-Fi. Thus, Arteta's team have a seven point lead, albeit having played a game more, with just seven fixtures remaining.

Arsenal's next 8 Premier League fixtures

• Saturday 14 March. Everton (H). Kick off 5:30pm.

• Saturday 11 April. Bournemouth (H). Kick off 12:30 or 8pm.

• Sunday 19 April. Manchester City (A). Kick off 4:30pm.

• Saturday 25 April. Newcastle United (H). Kick off 5:30pm.

• 2/3 May. Fulham (H). Kick off TBC.

• 9/10 May. West Ham United (A). Kick off TBC.

• Sunday 17 May. Burnley (H). Kick off TBC.

• Sunday 24 May. Crystal Palace (A). Kick off 4pm.

The trip to the Etihad next month still looms large, but Arsenal's run-in could be favourable. Beat both Everton and Bournemouth in North London and they would kick off in Manchester, at least, seven points clear of Pep Guardiola's team, really pilling the pressure onto the serial champions.

It may not be pretty and Gooners everywhere may find games very nervy, but these narrow one-goal wins are when champions are made of. Arteta's team now just need to get over the line.