As a result of goals from Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Leandro Trossard, Arsenal defeated Brighton 3-0 to take the lead in the Premier League and maintain their fifth straight away clean sheet.
After a 4-2 victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday lunchtime, Manchester City had surpassed the Gunners and levelled the score with Liverpool; nevertheless, Mikel Arteta’s team reacted with an incredible display to take the lead.
After a rocky start for Arsenal’s rock-solid defence on the south coast, Saka calmly converted a penalty kick; VAR did not reverse the ruling after Tariq Lamptey looked to touch the ball before taking down Gabriel Jesus.
The hosts, who had won their previous 12 home league games, took control of the game in the second half and held Arsenal to a draw until Havertz scored his ninth Premier League goal of the year.
With a clever chip to score the third goal late against his old team, Trossard further punished Brighton and ensured Arsenal would go one point clear at the top.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after the game:
“Wow, really happy. They [Brighton] are a really good team, really well coached. They make life really difficult for you. But today, we were outstanding.
“We showed quality and with the ball we are really connected. We have purpose and clarity. Against a shape that was slightly different than what we expected. Without the ball we are so disciplined. We were really humble.
“They did something similar in Liverpool away, which they never do. We knew it could happen.”
Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi:
“The penalty was clear. It was good enough to decide this game. Until the second goal we were inside this game. Then it finished.
“Without a lot of important players, it was tough to create chances to score. We played a good game but without big chances to score.
“We played against Arsenal, they are top of the table. In this condition, we can lose against Arsenal at home. We are sorry for the fans but at this moment, it is tough to compete with Arsenal or Liverpool.
“Maybe we will not close the gap, I don’t know. This gap to close with Liverpool and Arsenal, we are not in the condition to close this gap, especially with all our injured players.”
In Premier League play, Brighton returns to action on Saturday as they visit Burnley.
On Tuesday, Arsenal will play Bayern Munich in the first leg of their quarterfinal Champions League match.
On April 14, they will play in the Premier League again, hosting Aston Villa on Super Sunday.
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