Arsenal returned to the top of the table with a comprehensive 3-0 win away at Brighton. Goals from Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard ensured the three points, in a display that yet again demonstrated both their defensive discipline and attacking flair.
Missed Opportunities
Despite an uncomfortable opening ten minutes, where Brighton pressed The Gunners high up the pitch, it was the visitors who created the best opening. Gabriel was presented with a great opening from Martin Odegaard's free kick, but his header drifted wide of the near post.
Arsenal began to settle, and as they did the chances continued to unfold. Saka was played in by Ben White, and looked certain to notch the opener but curled his shot wide.
Next it was Gabriel Jesus' turn to come close, not once, but twice. Saka broke down the left-hand side before cutting back to Jesus on the edge of the box. His curling effort was superbly beaten away by Bart Verbruggen.
Moments later he was again involved in the action, but saw his far-post header miss the target. It felt a matter of time before Arsenal would take the lead, and once again it was Jesus, operating from the left, who created.
This time he drifted inside the box only to be taken out by Tariq Lamptey. Saka stepped up to the spot and confidently dispatched the penalty into the corner of the net to give Arsenal a deserved lead.
As Brighton looked for a route back into the game, Julio Enciso looked the most likely candidate to cause The Gunners problems. His curling effort almost levelled the scores, only for David Raya to acrobatically tip the shot around the post.
Killer Second
Brighton began the half positively, as Enciso forced Raya into a routine stop, but it was Arsenal who continued to look the more dominant side.
They quickly resumed control of proceedings and began to dominate possession once more. Jesus headed wide following some good work by Havertz on the right.
Just after the hour mark, the game was effectively killed. Patient work around the box lead to an opportunity for Odegaard to play Jorginho in down the right, and the Italian rolled a low cross into the path of Havertz to tap home in front of a jubilant away end.
Arsenal seemed content to see the game out, demonstrating once again how difficult they are to break down. Brighton proved, but couldn't find any clear openings.
Instead Arsenal put the gloss on the game with a breakaway third. Havertz, superb throughout, played the ball into the path of substitute Leandro Trossard, who raced towards goal before dinking the ball cleverly over the onrushing goalkeeper. Job done.
Champions League Awaits
Attention for Arsenal will now turn to the Champions League, where they face Bayern Munich at The Emirates on Tuesday evening, before resuming their quest for the title with the visit of Aston Villa next Sunday.
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