BetMGM Trim Brighton Title Odds; Valued As Arsenal’s Main Challengers

Brighton have been deemed Arsenal’s major title challengers in the outright market after seeing their odds cut by BetMGM. The Seagulls, who were available at 12/1 with the bookie last week, are now trading at a shorter 10/1 price, suggesting a shift in opinion.

The Seagulls have been mightily impressive this term, exceeding expectations under Fabian Hurzeler. And judging by the latest price posted, BetMGM thinks the South Coast outfit could be in it for the long haul.

Seagulls kicking on

Under Hurzeler, Brighton have proved to be a formidable outfit. So far, they’ve conceded just seven goals, with only Arsenal shipping fewer (five), and at the other end, no side has scored more goals than the Seagulls (26) this season.

More pertinently, Brighton have won seven of their 10 Premier League games this term. Within this run, they’ve brushed aside Arsenal and Manchester City with consummate ease, exhibiting quality as well as character.

Even with Yankuba Minteh only just returning to action, Pascal Gross has been the creative heartbeat for his side. In the 2-0 win over Brentford yesterday, Gross engineered five chances for his team-mates, and he’s now had 10 goal involvements this term (four goals and six assists), illustrating his importance to the cause.

Champions League spot the bare minimum

Previously, Brighton’s highest-placed finish was sixth in the 2022/23 campaign, and after a stunning start to this season, their ambitions will be loftier this time round. Brighton have produced the second-highest number of big chances (37) this season, and as things stand, attaining a top-four berth even at this early stage should be the bare minimum, according to former Everton midfielder Leon Osman.

He told BBC Sport: “The way they’re playing at the moment, Champions League qualification is probably the minimum that you’d expect Brighton to achieve. They look like a team that has really kicked on in the last 18 months.

“Can they win the league? I think it would be unexpected if they did, but I expected them to win something this year, whether that is a domestic trophy like the FA Cup or the Conference League.”

Arsenal still in control

As things stand, Arsenal still appear to be in cruise control. Following their 1-0 win over Hull on Saturday, Arsenal took their points tally to 27, equalling their best return after 10 games, which was in the 2022/23 campaign.

BetMGM has offered Arsenal an extremely short price of 2/9, and the title picture has drastically changed over the past few weeks. And while the Gunners have been labelled at times as boring, with their victory over their fourth 1-0 win of the season, Mikel Arteta’s men won’t care one jot.

Title race not done and dusted

With Manchester City floundering (14/1 with BetMGM) following their third league defeat in a row, this time against Nottingham Forest, there may be some suggestions that the Premier League could quickly become a one-horse race after just the first week of November.

However, Brighton, who will now have time to take a quick pause due to the international break, will be hoping to replicate the exploits of Leicester. The Foxes, who were famously priced at 5,000/1 before the start of the 2015/16 season, were the last side outside of the traditional ‘Big Six’ to lift the title, and Brighton will certainly be inspired to reach new heights.