Arsenal claimed a crucial 1-0 victory against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Bukayo Saka netted the decisive goal in the ninth minute to secure three vital points in the Premier League title race.
Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff were visibly thrilled at the final whistle.
The travelling supporters celebrated what could prove to be a pivotal result in their championship pursuit.
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For the goal, Saka collected possession on the right flank before driving infield past his marker.
His strike took a slight deflection off Brighton midfielder Baleba, which completely wrong-footed goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The ball struck the Dutch keeper's leg before finding the net, leaving him with little chance to react.
It was a moment Verbruggen would not wish to revisit.
Bukayo Saka celebrates Arsenal's only goal of the game
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The goal represented Arsenal's sole shot of the opening half, yet it proved sufficient to give the league leaders the advantage.
Brighton's bench protested about a potential handball by Hincapie in the build-up, though the incident occurred some distance before the goal was scored.
Brighton proved the more dominant side throughout the contest, keeping Arsenal pinned back for extended periods.
The hosts created numerous opportunities but found the Gunners' rearguard stubborn.
Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff were visibly thrilled at the final whistle
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Gabriel delivered several vital interventions, including a superb sliding block to deny Mitoma shortly after the opening goal.
Raya endured an anxious start, gifting possession to Baleba in the early minutes, though Gabriel rescued his goalkeeper by heading clear the attempted lob.
The Spanish stopper later produced an important save to palm away Rutter's half-volley, briefly causing concern when he remained on the ground clutching his shoulder before continuing.
The result carried added weight following events at the Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City could only manage a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest.
Brighton proved to be the more dominant side throughout the contest
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Forest equalised for a second time with approximately ten minutes remaining, denying Pep Guardiola's side maximum points.
The three points head back to north London with the title race intensifying.
The match proved to be a night of significant personal achievements for the Gunners.
Goalkeeper David Raya reached his 100th Premier League appearance, while Saka marked his 300th outing for the club across all competitions.
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